System and method for processing a letter for bulk mailing

ABSTRACT

A system is provided for processing a letter for bulk mailing. The system includes structures for printing and for supplying stationery items. In addition, the system includes a computer. The computer includes input structure for receiving letter data corresponding to information for at least one letter. The information for the at least one letter includes a plurality of parts. The computer also includes a program for formatting the letter data for the at least one letter. The formatted letter data includes a plurality of parts. The information parts for the at least one letter correspond one-for-one with the data parts. The computer is also programmed for causing the supplying structure to supply at least one stationery item to the printing structure. The computer is further programmed for causing the printing structure to print at least one information part on the at least one stationery item, and for storing a predetermined code. In addition, the computer is programmed for causing the printing structure to print the code on the at least one stationery item. The system further includes structure for receiving the at least one stationery item, including a mailpouch having a mark thereon identifying the mailpouch as a bulk mail mailpouch.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention is generally concerned with apparatus for preparing,processing and delivering letters, and more particularly with amodularly constructed, computer controlled system for generating,transmitting and printing formal business letters including letter mail.

A large proportion of the business offices of industrialized nations areequipped with modern word processing apparatus, the use of which hasreduced the cost of preparing formal business letters and relievedsecretarial personnel of many of the traditionally labor intensiveactivities inherent in the task of preparing such letters. A continuingneed exists however for further reducing the cost of preparation of suchletters due to increases in labor costs involved in such activities. Inaddition it is noted that relatively little progress has been made inthe way of reducing labor costs associated with the distribution of suchletters after preparation. For the most part, modernization of thedistribution process has focused upon rapid delivery, as opposed to costreduced delivery, of such letters. For example, numerous privatecarriers and the United States Postal Service have inaugurated rapid butcostly delivery systems for distributing time sensitive businessletters.

Further, although it may appear that facsimile transmission systems,which have been installed in most of such business offices for thetransmission of business letters via telephone lines, have resulted indistribution savings, since many of such facsimile transmissions arefollowed by delivery of the formal letters, either as a businesscourtesy or due to it being imperative for legal documentation purposesto provide original letters, savings are not realized.

On the other hand, conventional apparatus, although available forperforming major functions that are useful for further reducing the costof preparing business letters and, in addition, significantly reducingthe cost of delivering such letters, have either not been adapted forsuch use or not been recognized as being useful for such purposes.

In connection with seeking a solution to the problem of high maildistribution costs, the assignee of the present invention has recentlyintroduced a bulk mail processing system for large business mailers.This system permits such mailers to deliver mailpieces which, ratherthan including a stamp, postage indicia or a permit mail notation,include a serial number and written line of information. The serialnumber is located in the mailpiece's "stamp" area, whereas the writtenline of information is associated with the addressee area of themailpiece. In addition to including the postage cost, the written lineincludes other relevant information required by the Postal Service,including the serial number of the apparatus which was used for printingthe postage cost. Such bulk mailings must be accompanied by a manifest,known in the art as a passport, which reports, for example, the totalpostage cost, piece count and class or classes of mail of the bulkmailing, the serial number of the postage dispensing apparatus utilizedfor processing the mailpieces, and other relevant data concerning thebulk mailing.

Apart from the foregoing there are other cost-effective distributionsystems available to large bulk mailers that are unavailable to smallbulk mailers. For example, permit and pre-sort bulk mailings have beenavailable to large bulk mailers for many years. As with manifest bulkmailings, permit mail must be delivered to the Postal Service duringnormal business hours for inspection and verification purposes. To thatend, an inspection location is provided by the Postal Service, where themailing costs are calculated and paid before the permit mail is routedto the general mailstream for processing along with mail picked up bythe Postal Service at local mailboxes. Similarly, pre-sorted bulkmailings are inspected to verify that the mailpieces have beenpre-sorted, and, therefore, entitled to the reduced postage costpermitted for handling pre-sorted mail.

The aforesaid manifest, permit and pre-sort bulk mailings must bedelivered to the Postal Service during normal business hours forverification and cannot be delivered to local mailboxes, which are usedextensively by small business mailers, for pick-up by the PostalService. Although such systems are cost-effective for large businessmailers who are equipped to handle tens of thousands of letters, smallbusiness mailers cannot avail themselves of their benefits due to thesmaller volumes of mail involved and unavailability of mail processingapparatus, or both. Thus, there is a need in the business community toprovide small business mailers with a bulk mailing systems and apparatusfor processing mail which permits them to participate in the manifest,permit and pre-sort bulk mailing programs of the Postal Service. And,preferably such apparatus should allow for the use of local mailboxdeliveries, outside of the normal business hours of the Postal Service.

Aside from all of the foregoing it is noted that there has been a longfelt need in the business community to avoid using see-through typeenvelopes for sending advertising materials to prospective customers,due such envelopes being extensively used by the business community formailing monthly billings. Because of such usage, see-through typeenvelopes involve such a negative reaction in potential customers towhom advertising materials are directed, that they are as often as notdisposed of without being opened, although the enclosed contents of theenvelope might have persuaded the recipient to become a customer had thecontents been read by the recipient.

Accordingly:

An object of the invention is to provide improvements in apparatus forpreparing letters;

Another object is to provide improvements in methods and apparatus forprocessing letters;

Another object is to provide methods and apparatus for reducing the costof preparation and delivery of letters, including bulk and letter mail;

Another object is to provide improvements in methods and apparatus forgenerating, transmitting or printing letters, including bulk and lettermail; and,

Another object is to provide modularly constructed apparatus and systemsfor preparing, processing, and delivering formal business letters,including bulk and letter mail.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system for processing a letter for bulk mailing, said systemcomprising: printing means; means for supplying stationery items;computer means, said computer means including means for receiving letterdata corresponding to information for at least one letter, saidinformation for said at least one letter including a plurality of parts,said computer means including means for formatting said letter data forsaid at least one letter, said formatted letter data including aplurality of parts, said information parts for said at least one lettercorresponding one-for-one with said data parts, said computer meansincluding means for causing said supplying means to supply at least onestationery item to said printing means, said computer means includingmeans for causing said printing means to print at least one informationpart on said at least one stationery item, said computer means includingmeans for storing a predetermined code, said computer means includingmeans for causing said printing means to print said code on said atleast one stationery item; and means for receiving said at least onestationery item, said receiving means including a mailpouch, and saidmailpouch including a mark thereon identifying said mailpouch as a bulkmail mailpouch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

As shown in the drawings wherein like reference numeral designate likeor corresponding parts throughout the several views:

FIG. 1(a) is a front view of a bond paper envelope which may be utilizedas a stationery item according to the invention;

FIG. 1(b) is a front view of a bond paper sheet which may be utilized asa stationery item according to the invention;

FIG. 1(c) is a front view of a printed bond paper envelope which may beutilized as a stationery item according to the invention, showingalphanumeric and graphic letter head printing of the type that may bepre-printed or printed according to the invention;

FIG. 1(d) is a front view of printed bond paper sheet, which may beutilized as a stationery item according to the invention, showingalphanumeric and graphic letter head and foot printing of the type thatmay be pre-printed or printed according to the invention;

FIG. 1(e) is a front view of a printed bond paper envelope, of the typeshown in FIG. 1(c), including postage indicia and address informationwhich may be printed according to the invention for preparing a businessenvelope;

FIG. 1(f) is a front view of a printed bond paper sheet, of the typeshown in FIG. 1(d), including alphanumeric and graphic information whichmay be printed according to the invention for preparing a businessletter;

FIG. 1(g) is a front view of a printed bond paper envelope, of the typeshown in FIG. 1(a), including alphanumeric and graphic information whichmay be printed according to the invention for preparing a returnenvelope;

FIG. 1(h) is a front view of a printed bond paper sheet, of the typeshown in FIG. 1(b), including alphanumeric information which may beprinted according to the invention for preparing a remittance slip;

FIG. 1(i) is a front view of a printed bond paper envelope, of the typeshown in FIG. 1(c), including alphanumeric and graphic information whichmay be printed according to the invention for preparing a bulk mailingenvelope;

FIG. 1(j) is a front view a printed bond paper sheet, of the type shownin FIG. 1(b), including alphanumeric and graphic information which maybe printed according to the invention for preparing a passport;

FIG. 1(k) is a front view of a plastic card of the type which may beutilized according to the invention for storing passport data byelectro-optical, magnetic or electronic means;

FIG. 1(l) is a front view of a printed bond paper sheet, of the typeshown in FIG. 1(b), including alphanumeric and graphic informationprinted according to the invention for preparing a more complex passportthan the passport shown in FIG. 1(j);

FIG. 2(a) a schematic view of a plurality of data input modules of theapparatus for processing stationery items according to the invention;

FIG. 2(b) is a schematic view of a system computer adapted for use inthe apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 2(c) is a schematic view of a plurality of modules adapted to becontrolled by the computer of FIG. 2(a) for processing stationery itemsaccording to the invention;

FIG. 2(d) is a schematic view of a plurality of additional modulesadapted to be controlled by the computer of FIG. 2(a) for processingstationery items in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of apparatus for preparing letters for bulkmailing and manifesting;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the processing steps implemented by themain line program of the computer shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the processing steps implemented by theinput data processing program, of the computer shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6(a) are flow charts showing the processing steps implemented bythe programs of the computer shown in FIG. 2(b) for controllingoperation of the scanning and letter opening modules shown in FIG. 2(a);

FIG. 6(b) are flow charts showing the processing steps implemented bythe programs of the computer shown in FIG. 2(b) for controllingoperation of the applications software, storage media, communicationslink and stationery items feeding modules shown in FIG. 2(a):

FIG. 6(c) is a flow chart showing the processing steps of the printingmodule program of the computer shown in FIG. 2(b) for controllingoperation of the respective printing modules shown in FIG. 2(d);

FIG. 6(d) is a flow chart showing the processing steps of the accountingmodule program of the computer shown in FIG. 2(b) for controlling therespective accounting modules shown in FIG. 2(d) and the accountingstructure shown as included in any printing module shown in FIG. 2(d);and,

FIG. 6(e) are flow charts showing the processing steps implemented bythe programs of the computer shown in FIG. 2(b) for controllingoperation of the folding, inserting and weighing modules, and otherprinting and accounting modules shown in FIGS. 2(c) and 2(d).

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1(a)-1(e) inclusive show examples of various types of businessstationery items and accounting materials which may be utilized inaccordance with the present invention for preparing and processingletters, including letter mail.

FIG. 1(a) shows a high quality bond paper envelope A, of the type thatmay be used in a business office for business correspondence as well asfor personal correspondence and other informal purposes. The envelope Aexemplifies a type of stationery item which is devoid of any pre-printedmarkings prior to utilization and which may be processed utilizing theapparatus according to the invention.

FIG. 1(b) shows a high quality bond paper sheet B, of the type that maybe used in a business office for personal correspondence or otherinformal purposes, or as a second or subsequent page of a formalbusiness letter, or for portraying graphic information to be includedwith any type of letter. Like the envelope A of FIG. 1(a), the sheet Bexemplifies a type of stationery item which is devoid of any pre-printedmarkings prior to utilization, and which may be processed utilizingapparatus according to the invention.

FIG. 1(c) shows a high quality bond paper envelope C, of the type thatmay be used in a business office for formal business correspondence. Anenvelope C typically includes the business tradename C1, in the upperleft-hand quadrant of the envelope C, alone or in combination with atradename design C2, of the business mailer, or addressor, who is theowner of the tradenames C1 and C2. The envelope C may also include thelocation C3 of the addressor, who, for the sake of convenience, has beenchosen to be the assignee of the present invention. The envelope Cexemplifies a type of business stationery item which includespre-printed markings C1, C2 and C3 prior to utilization, although it iswithin the scope of the invention to provide apparatus for printing thealphanumeric and graphic information forming one or more of the markingsC1, C2 and C3 on a partially marked envelope C, or on an unmarkedenvelope such as the envelope A shown in FIG. 1(a).

FIG. 1(d) shows a high quality bond paper sheet D, of the type that maybe used in a business office as a first page of formal businesscorrespondence. Like the envelope C of FIG. 1(c), the sheet D typicallyincludes the business tradename C1 (FIG. 1(d)), alone or in combinationwith a tradename design C2, of the business mailer who is the owner ofthe tradenames C1 and C2. Further, the sheet D may also include thebusiness location C3 of the addressor located in the lower left-handquadrant of the sheet D, although it is within the scope of theinvention to provide the location part of the address of the addressorin any position on the sheet D, including in the upper left-handquadrant as shown in FIG. 1(c) or to the right of the tradename C1. Thesheet D exemplifies another type of business stationery item whichincludes pre-printed markings C1, C2 and C3 prior to utilization,although it is within the scope of the invention to provide apparatusfor printing the alphanumeric and graphic information forming one ormore of the markings C1, C2 and C3 on a partially marked sheet D or onan unmarked sheet, such as the sheet B shown in FIG. 1(b).

FIG. 1(e) shows an envelope E, similar to the envelope C shown in FIGS.1(c), which includes the tradenames and address information C1, C2 andC3 as shown in FIG. 1(c), and, in addition, includes the address E1,including the name, of the addressee of the envelope E. In addition theenvelope E has printed thereon the addressee's postal zip code E2, atypical bar code E3 which exemplifies any postal bar code and, althoughnot accurately portrayed, is intended to be representative of the postalbar code corresponding to the postal zip code E2, and a postage indiciaE4 of a typical postage meter manufacturer, which, for convenience, hasbeen chosen to be the postage indicia E4 of the assignee of the presentinvention. In connection with the foregoing it is noted that the barcode E3 is located in the lower left hand quadrant of the envelope E,although current U.S. Postal Regulations require such postal bar code tobe located in the lower right quadrant. This has been done to exemplifythe fact that in accordance with the invention, the apparatushereinafter discussed may be adapted for printing bar codes in anylocation on any given stationery item. The postage indicia E4 includes apostage value E5, which is representative of any postage value that isneeded for mailing the envelope and its contents of other printedstationery items to the addressee E1. The envelope E, exemplifies atypical stationery item which has printed thereon alphanumeric andgraphic information, C1, C2, C3, E1, E2, E3 and E4, which may be printedutilizing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 1(f) shows a sheet F, similar to the sheet D shown in FIGS. 1(d),which includes the tradenames and address information C1, C2 and C3 asshown in FIG. 1(d), and, in addition, includes alphanumeric and graphicinformation F1 which may be printed on the first or any subsequent pageof a business letter. The sheet E exemplifies a typical stationery itemincluding alphanumeric and graphic information, C1, C2 and F1, which maybe printed on a stationery item utilizing apparatus according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 1(g) shows an envelope G, similar to the envelope A shown in FIG.1(a), which includes the address G1, including the name, of a typicaladdressor in the upper left-hand quadrant of the envelope G, and thename, including the address G2, of a typical addressee G2 in the lowerright-hand quadrant. The address G2 includes the postal zip code G3 ofthe addressee. The envelope G additionally has printed thereon the barcode G4 corresponding to postal zip code G3 of the addressee and atypical postage franking reminder note G5 located in the upper righthand quadrant. Further, the envelope G includes a code G6 located in thelower left-hand quadrant. The code G6 may be any code assigned by theaddressee of the envelope G for identifying the envelope G, or theaddressor of the envelope G, for remittance mail processing purposes.The envelope G is dimensioned for insertion in an envelope, such as theenvelope E shown in FIG. 1(e), for return to the business-mailer. Theenvelope G is representative of a typical return-envelope type ofstationery item, which includes alphanumeric and graphic information,G1-G6 inclusive, which may be printed utilizing the apparatus accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 1(h) shows a sheet H, similar to the sheet B shown in FIG. 1(b),which is provided with the address H1, including the name, of theaddressor in the lower left-hand quadrant. The sheet H also includes theaddress H2, including the name, of the addressee in the lower right-handquadrant. The sheet H is additionally provided with the account numberH3 of the addressor as assigned by the addressee, in this instancePitney Bowes Inc. The sheet H is intended to be an invoice in the formof typical remittance slip. To that end, the sheet H preferably includesthe aforesaid customer account number H3, which may be any number oralphanumeric identifier of the customer, including the customer's taxcode, social security number, or the like. A code H4 may also beprovided for identifying the sheet H for sortation purposes. When thesheet H is returned by the customer-addressee, in this instance John T.Doe, the sheet H may be processed by apparatus controlled by a computerprogram implemented in response to such apparatus sensing the presenceof the code H3 or H4. Assuming use of the code H3, the computer may beprogrammed for causing the operation of other apparatus, for example aprinter to print a message indicating that the remittance slip of aparticular customer has been received. In any event, the code H4 oraccount number H3, or both may be provided for identifying the sheet H,customer, or both, and, upon return to the addressee, may be used forgenerating data for causing machine operations and for other purposes,as more fully described in U.S. application Ser. No. 025,552, now U.S.Pat. No. 4,800,504 filed concurrently herewith. The sheet H isrepresentative of a typical remittance-slip type of stationery item,including alphanumeric information H1-H4 inclusive, which may be printedutilizing the apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 1(i) shows an envelope I, similar to the envelope A shown in FIG.1(a), which has been provided with the address Il, including the name,of the addressor in the upper left-hand quadrant of the sheet I, and theaddress I2, including the name, of the addressee spanning the lower leftand right hand quadrants. In addition, the sheet I has been providedwith a line of mailing information I3, which may but need not be thefirst line above the address I2 of the addressee. The mailinginformation I3 may include the postage value noted at I4, or anothernumber or series of characters uniquely assigned to a particularmailpiece to a Postal Service with a single passport as hereinafterdiscussed, for mailing the envelope I. In addition the mailinginformation I3 may include the date of mailing I5, followed by amulti-digit accounting code I6, such as an alphanumeric code which isthe serial number of the postage metering apparatus, or other source ofsupply of available postage, which was utilized for dispensing thepostage value noted at I4. Further the code I6 may include a numbercorresponding to the amount of postage remaining in the postagedispensing or other apparatus which was utilized for dispensing thepostage cost I4 after deduction of that cost. The envelope I is also isprovided with a typical postage paid marking I7, which may include apermit or other number identifying the postal service contractor, orpermittee, who was granted the right by the Postal Service to markmailpieces as shown. Rather than identifying the permittee, the numberor code provided with the postage paid marking I7 may be a numbercorresponding to a count of the number of mailpieces, including themailpieces shown, processed by the postage metering apparatus, or othersource of supply of postage, which was utilized for dispensing thepostage value noted at I4. The envelope I exemplifies a typicalstationery item which has printed thereon alphanumeric and graphicinformation, Il-I7 inclusive, for preparing mailpieces for bulk mailing,in accordance with the invention, utilizing the apparatus according tothe invention.

FIG. 1(j) shows a sheet J, similar to the sheet B shown on FIG. 1(b),which has printed thereon a summary of relevant bulk mailing data of thetype that may be required by a Postal Service Agency to account for thetotal of all postage used by a business mailer when preparing a bulkmailing of postage-paid mailpieces utilizing envelopes such as theenvelope I shown in FIG. 1(i). Such mailpieces are preferably deliveredto the Postal Agency in a sealed, distinctively marked envelope or mailpouch, to which there has been attached or otherwise removably includeda summary of accounting information concerning the contents of thesealed envelope or mail pouch. The summary of accounting information isreferred to by skilled artisans as a "passport". Typically, such apassport may include a code or other number J1 identifying the "batch"of postage paid mailpieces with which the particular passport isdelivered to the Postal Service, and, assuming the particular batch ofmailpieces consists of more than one "run", or part of larger batch, thepassport may include a number identifying the particular run ofmailpieces. Accordingly, a given batch of mailpieces may be delivered asa series of runs of a batch of mailpieces each of which includes apassport identifying the run number J2 as well as the batch number J1.In addition the passport may include a piece count J3 consisting of acount of the mailpieces delivered with the passport, the date J4 andtime J5 the last mailpiece included in the run or batch was processed bythe postage dispensing device utilized for preparing the mailpieces, anumber or name indicating the mailing classification J6 of themailpieces, a number J7 corresponding to the total of all postagesremaining stored in the descending register of the postage dispensingdevice utilized for processing the mailpieces included in the run orbatch, and the total of all postage used J8 for processing all of themailpieces included in the run or batch. In addition the summary wouldordinarily include the name of the manufacturer J9, serial number J10,and user J1l of the postage dispensing device utilized for processingthe mailpieces in the run or batch, and, may also include a transactionnumber J12. The transaction number may be a code or serial number whichuniquely distinguishes the run or batch referred to in the passport fromall other runs or batches processed by the particular postage dispensingdevice utilized for preparing the mailpieces included in the run orbatch, or processed by the particular postage dispensing device since itwas last credited with a postage amount available for printing. Thesheet J, thus exemplifies a typical stationery item which has printedthereon alphanumeric and graphic information, J1-J12 inclusive, forpreparing a passport for delivery with a bulk mailing of mailpieces,utilizing the apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 1(k) shows a token K such as a conventional plastic credit-typecard, in which there may be stored, the accounting data and otherinformation needed for providing the summary of bulk mail accountinginformation referred to in the discussion of FIGS. 1(f) and 1(l). Thusthe token K may be used as another form of passport. To that end, thetoken K preferably has imbedded therein a suitable electronically,electro-optically or magnetically alterable data storage medium K1. Thestorage medium K1 may be any type device which is adapted to beprogrammed by a program writing device into which the token K may beinserted for programming purposes. For the purpose of identifying agiven one of such program writing devices with which the token K is tobe associated, the token K may include the name of the manufacturer J9and serial number J10 of the program writing device, which may forexample be an appropriately equipped postage dispensing device, withwhich the token K is to be associated, it being understood that theassociated program writing device would be comparably identified.

FIG. 1(l) shows a sheet L, similar to the sheet B shown in FIG. 1(b),which is utilized as a passport of the type shown in FIG. 1(j). Thesheet L includes a more complex summary of bulk mailing data than thesummary referred to in the discussion of FIG. 1(j). In this connection,the passport shown in FIG. 1(l) may include information corresponding tothe matters J1-J12 discussed above and any other informational entriesthat may be required by a Postal Service Agency, including acertification statement L1 prepared for the signature of the PostalInspector receiving the passport. The sheet L exemplifies a typicalstationery item which has printed thereon alphanumeric and graphicinformation for preparing a passport utilizing the apparatus accordingto the present invention.

With the above thoughts in mind, it is noted that the return envelope Gtogether with the return remittance slip H may be enclosed by a businessletter mailer in eithero of the envelopes E or I. In either instance,when the return document G or H, as the case may be, is returned, thecodes G6, H3 and H4 may be detected by appropriate sensors operablyassociated with computer controlled mailpiece processing apparatus, asmore fully discussed in the aforesaid U.S. patent application Ser. No.025,552, U.S. Pat. No. 4,800,504 filed concurrently herewith. Othercombinations, sizes and shapes of envelopes A, C, E, G and I, and sheetsB, F, H, J and L may be used as stationery items, by persons skilled inthe art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention,including for example window-type envelopes and appropriately printedstationery items for use with window-type envelopes.

As shown in FIG. 2(a) the apparatus 10 according to the inventiongenerally includes a plurality of data input modules, including one ormore scanning modules represented by the scanning module 12.

The scanning module 12 (FIG. 2(a)) may include a stacking structure 14including a hopper 14A into which there may be loaded one or more sheets16, which are pre-printed to include alphanumeric or graphicinformation, or both, which a business mailer wishes to have printed ona stationery item. The scanning module 12 may include any type ofdocument scanning structure 17, including for example an opticalcharacter reading (OCR) device. Further, without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention, the module 12 may comprise aconventional facsimile transceiver. The scanning module 12 may thereforebe conventionally adapted to receive letter data from a remotely locatedfacsimile transmitter 18 via a conventional telephone line 20. Further,without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention thescanning module 12 may be conventionally adapted to receive sheets 16,one at a time from a conventional letter opening module 50, hereinafterdiscussed in greater detail, in which instance the scanning module 12may not be provided with an input stacker 14. In either instance, thescanning module 12 includes conventional sheet feeding and scanningstructures, 22 and 17 respectively. The scanning structure 17 detectsalphanumeric and graphic information on each sheet 16 as it is fed bythe feeding structure 22, in a predetermined path of travel extendingpast the scanning structure 17, and provides an analog or digital outputsignal, such as the signals 26 or 28, which are representative of suchthe information, depending upon the design of the scanning structure 17.The scanning module 12 may also include a conventional output stacker 30into which the respective sheets 16 are fed by the feeding structure 22after being scanned. The scanning module 12 is preferably aconventional, standalone, device which includes a control structure 32,preferably including a microprocessor, for controlling the module 12. Inaddition, the scanning module 12 includes one or more motors 34conventionally connected to the stackers, 14 and 30, and feeder 22,directly or via one or more drive units 36. The module 12 additionallyincludes a plurality of conventional sensing devices 38, some of whichare operably coupled to the motors 34, drive units 36 and feeder 22, forsensing various operational positions thereof, including theirrespective home positions. Another of such sensors 38 is operablylocated relative to the sheets in the stacking structure 14 fordetermining whether or not a sheet is available for scanning. And, othersensors 38 are operably located relative to the sheet feed path forsensing the presence or absence of sheets 16 at various positions in thesheet feed path. The motor 34 and drive units 36 and 38 areconventionally coupled to the control structure 32 for operationthereby, and the sensors 38 are suitably coupled to the controlstructure 32 for providing signals to the control structure 32 which areindicative of the aforesaid conditions and positions of the motors 34,drive units 36, feeder 22 and sheets 16. Further, the scanning module 12includes a conventional operator interface 40, coupled to the controlstructure 32 for operation thereof in response to operator inputsignals. Preferably the control structure 32 includes a two-way serialor parallel communication link 42, via which the respective data andsensor signals 26 or 28, as the case may be, are transmitted to anexternal source, such as the computer hereinafter described, and viawhich control signals, such as the signal 43, may be received from theexternal source. Accordingly, complete control of the operation of themodule 12 may be exercised from an external source, such as a computer,rather than from the operator interface 40.

Assuming the provision of a letter opening module 50 (FIG. 2(a)), themodule 50 preferably includes conventional stacking structure 52 intowhich one or more mailpieces 53 may be loaded for processing. Like thescanning module 12, the letter opening module 50 is preferably aconventional standalone module, which is adapted for external control.To that end, the module 50 includes a suitable control structure 54,preferably including a microprocessor, for controlling the variousstructures and functions of the module 50 in accordance with inputsignals received from an operator interface 56 which is conventionallycoupled to the control structure 54. Further, the control structure 54is conventionally constructed and arranged to include a two-way serialor parallel communication link 58, via which respective data signals,such as the signal 58A may be transmitted to an external source such asthe computer hereinafter described, and via which control signals, suchas the signal 58B, may be received from the external source.Accordingly, complete control of the module 50 may be exercised from anexternal source communicating therewith via the channel 58. The module50 includes a plurality of sensors 60 which are conventionally coupledto the control structure 54. At least one of such sensors 60 isconventionally associated with the mailpiece stacking structure 52 fordetermining whether or not a mailpiece 53 is available for processing.The module 50 additionally includes suitable mailpiece opening structure62, and includes conventional sheet feeding structure 64 for feedingrespective mailpieces 53 from the stacking structure 52 to the mailpieceopening structure 62. In addition, the module 50 includes conventionalstructure 66, for extracting the contents of opened mailpieces 53. Andthe feeding structure 66 includes suitable means, including for examplea roller 68, for feeding extracted contents, such as a sheet 16, fromthe letter opening module 50. In addition, the module 50 includes one ormore motors 70, which are conventionally connected to the stacker 52,opener 62, extractor 66 and feeder 64, either directly or via one ormore drive units 72 driven by the motors 70. For sensing variouspositions of the motor 70, drive units 72 or both, including theirrespective home positions, and for sensing respective positions of themailpieces contents in their path of travel, a multiplicity of thesensors 60 are operatively associated on a one-for-one basis with therespective motors 70 and drive units 72, and with the feed path of themailpiece contents, for sensing such positions. The sensors 60 aresuitably coupled to the control structure 54 for providing data signalsrepresentative of such positions to the control structure 54, and thecontrol structure 54 is conventionally constructed and arranged foroperating the motors 70, and drive units 72 for controlling the feeder64, opener 62 and extractor 66 in accordance with operator input signalsfrom the interface 56 or from the external source communicating with themodule 50 via the communication link 58.

The apparatus 10 (FIG. 2(a)) may additionally include one or moreapplications software carrying modules, represented by the module 80,one or more storage media modules, represented by the module 90, and oneor more communications link modules, represented by the module 100. Eachof the applications software modules 80 is a conventional device, suchas a tape, disk or word processor, and may include control structure 82,preferably including a microprocessor. The control structure 82 isconstructed and arranged for controlling the various structures andfunctions of module 80 in accordance with input data received from anoperator interface 84 which preferably includes a keyboard. Theinterface 84 is suitably coupled to the control structure 82 foroperating the module 80. Further the control structure 82 includes aconventional two-way parallel or serial communications link 86. Thecontrol structure 82 provides digitized signals, such as the signal 88,to the external source which correspond to letter data informationprovided by software or correspond to operation of the module 80. Inaddition the control structure 82 receives control signals, such as thesignal 88A from the external source. Accordingly, the control structure82 is constructed and arranged to permit the exercise complete controlof the structures and functions of the applications software module 80from the external source, rather than the operator interface 84.Similarly, each of the storage media modules 90 is a conventional devicesuch as a tape or disk drive unit, which includes control structure 92,and an operator interface 94 coupled to the control structure 92 forcontrolling the module 90. Further, the control structure 92, isconstructed and arranged to permit control of the various structures andfunctions of the module from an external source, via a conventionaltwo-way serial or parallel communications link 96. To that end, thecontrol structure provides analog or digital letter data signals, suchas the signals 98 or 99, corresponding to letter data information storedin the storage media or corresponding to operation of the module 90, tothe external source. And, the external source provides control signalssuch as the signal 99A to the control structure 92. Accordingly,complete control over the functions of the module 90 may be exercisedfrom external source via the communications link 96, or from theoperator interface 94. The communications link module 100, may be anyconventional device, such as a modem or microcomputer programmed forreceiving letter data communications from a remote source via aconventional two-way serial or parallel communications link 102. Themodule 100 also includes a conventional two-way serial or parallelcommunications link 104 for transmitting digitized letter data signalssuch as the signal 108, to an external source, and receiving controlsignals, such as the signal 109, from the external source, whereby theexternal source may exercise complete control of the module 100 via thetwo-way communications link 104.

According to the invention, each of the data input modules 12, 50, 80,90 and 100, is thus constructed and arranged to be interfaced with anexternal source, via a conventional, two-way, communication link, suchas the links 42, 58, 86, 96 and 104 respectively. According to theinvention, the external source is a computer such as the computer 120(FIG. 2(b)). The computer 120 may be any commercially available computerhaving a sufficient number of serial or parallel communication interfaceand other ports, 121, which are programmable for serial or parallelcommunications purposes to provide a separate two-way link with each ofthe aforesaid modules 12, 50, 80, 90 and 100.

The computer 120 (FIG. 2(b)) generally includes a plurality of discretecircuits including those for a plurality of central processing units,each of which includes control circuits 122, program counter 124, aplurality of registers 126 and an arithmetic logic unit 128, and thosefor one or more oscillators and clocks 130, data memories 132, timer andevent counters 134, and program expansion control 136. In addition thecomputer 120 includes respective programs 140 for the analysis of analogand digital letter data input signals, received from the respectiveinput modules 12, 50, 80, 90 and 100, and for reformatting andsupplementing the data corresponding to such signals. Thus the computer120 provides reformatted letter data for preparing letters in whichalphanumeric or graphic information, or both, corresponding to theletter data that is received and supplementary data which is provided bythe computer 120, is printed on respective stationery items to provideletters and passports in predetermined formats. To that end, thecomputer 120 includes conventional analog to digital converter circuitsfor providing digital letter data corresponding to analog letter datasignals 26 or 98 (FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b)) upon receiving such signals 26 or98. In addition, the computer 120 is programmed for the analysis of theletter data signals 26, 28, 58A, 88, 98, 99 and 108, as thus convertedto or received as digital data signals from the various modules 12, 50,80, 90 and 100, and reformatting such data as needed to conform the sameto letter data corresponding to one or more predetermined letterformats. The reformatting program thus provides for identifying suchparts of the input data which correspond to the message part of anygiven letter, including each of the respective paragraph parts of themessage. In addition the reformatting program provides for identifyingthe addressor and addressee parts of the input letter data, and thename, location and zip code parts of their respective addresses.Further, the reformatting program provides for identifying theapplication parts of the letter data, including for example the "DearSir" or corresponding part, and the "Regards", "Very truly yours","Sincerely", or other corresponding part, and the signature part,including any graphic signature part, associated name part, title part,telephone number part, location code part, or the like. Further, thereformatting program provides for identifying the "enclosure" or"attachments" parts or the like. In addition the reformatting program140 provides instructions suitable for selecting each identified part ofthe letter data, and stationery item on which the alphanumeric orgraphic information corresponding to the data parts as thus identified,is to be printed. Further, the program 140 establishes the font size(s),margin dimensions and line spacings of the letter to be printed.Further, the computer may include one or more programs for causing datacorresponding to one or more codes, including a sort code, bar code orcustomer identification code, stored in registers 142 andcross-referenced with the identified zip code or name, as the case maybe, to be copied from such registers 142 and included or associated withthe letter data for printing alphanumeric information corresponding tothe stored data 142 on one or more of selected stationery items on whichthe information corresponding to any part of the letter data is to beprinted. Further, the computer 120 may include one or more programs 140for causing data corresponding one or more business letter heads orfootings, or both, including data corresponding to the alphanumeric andgraphic information normally found on an envelope or first or subsequentpages of a formal business letter, as shown in FIGS. 1(c), 1(d), 1(e)and 1(i), and stored in registers 142 and cross-referenced with one ormore identified names or codes, to be copied from such registers 142 andincluded or associated with the letter data for printing alphanumeric orgraphic information corresponding thereto on one or more of selectedstationery items on which the information corresponding to any part ofthe letter data is to be printed.

Still further the computer 120 may include one or more programs forproviding, either by means of calculating the same or utilizing alook-up table therefor, the postage value required for mailing thenumber of stationery items to be selected for the preparation of anygiven letter, based upon the font size(s), margin dimensions and linespacing of the letter to be printed and the number and weight of thestationery items to be selected for printing the letter, at any timeafter reformatting has been completed, for example, prior in time to theselection of such stationery items. Further, the computer 120 mayinclude one or more programs for causing data corresponding to one ormore postage markings, such as the indicia shown in FIGS. 1(e) at E5,1(g) at G5 and FIG. 1(i) at I7, or the provided postage value itself, orboth, to be copied from appropriate registers 142 of the computer 120 inwhich such data is stored and included or associated with the letterdata, for printing alphanumeric or graphic information correspondingthereto on one or more of selected stationery items on which otherinformation is to be printed.

In addition, the computer 120 may include one or more programs foraccounting for and causing data corresponding to a given transactionnumber, as hereinbefore discussed in connection with FIG. 1(j), or dataidentifying the serial number of any postage metering, dispensing,printing or authorization apparatus discussed in this application, ordata corresponding to a count of the number of mailpieces included inany run or batch, and the run, batch number, class of mail of any run orbatch, postage costs of individual mailpieces, total postage costs ofthe mailpieces included in any run or batch of mailpieces, and any andall other accounting information, or graphic or textual materials, shownin FIG. 1(l), to be generated, looked up or calculated, or copied fromregisters 142 in which such data is stored, for printing alphanumericinformation corresponding thereto on one or more of the selectedstationery items on which such information is to be printed, or forstoring such data by conventional means, such as by mechanical, optical,electro-optical, magnetic or electronic means, in any storage media K1of any token K removably connected to the computer 120.

Further, the computer 120 may be programmed for generating datacorresponding to the date, place and time of preparing any one or morestationery items, and including or associating such data with any otherdata for printing alphanumeric information corresponding thereto on oneor more selected stationery items on which such information is to beprinted or for storing such data in the storage media K1 of any token K.

Further, the computer 120 may include one or more programs for readingdata corresponding to a postage amount from any token, or causing anymodule connected to the computer 120 to mechanically, electro-optically,magnetically, optically or electronically perform the reading function,and either adding or subtracting the amount represented by the postageamount to or from the postage available or postage used registers 144 ofthe computer 120 or of any module having a postage available datastorage medium and communicating directly or indirectly with thecomputer 120.

In addition to the foregoing, the computer 120 includes a conventionallocal terminal, having a display 146 processing circuits 148, keyboard,150, printer 152 and dual disk drive 153. Without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention, the processing circuits 148 mayinclude, in a given physical application of the apparatus according tothe invention, all of the structure, programming, data storage andcircuitry hereinbefore discussed and numbered 122, 124, 126, 128, 130,132, 134, 136, 140, 142, and 154, and the programming designated 600 and700. In a given embodiment of the invention, the storage capacity of thecomputer registers 126 may be sufficient to store letter datacorresponding to, for example, one thousand or more separate letters,each of which includes a data part corresponding to the postal zip codeof the addressee of the letter. And, the computer may be programmed inresponse to operator entry forms the keyboard 150, to cause theregisters 126 to be accessed for identifying and storing in otherregisters 126 the letter data corresponding to all letters which includea particular intial three digits in their respective postal zip codes.Accordingly, the computer 120 is preferably programmed to identify aplurality of predetermined postal zip code elements which are includedin each of a plurality of postal zip codes. Further, the computer 120may be programmed in response to operator input from the keyboard 150 tocause the computer to identify the letter data corresponding to each ofsuch letters having the zip codes including the same three digits.Accordingly, the computer is preferably programmed for pre-sortingletter data to permit letters corresponding thereto to be printed as apre-sorted series of letters.

The computer 120 also preferably includes a data base 154 in which theremay be stored, accounting information which is updated from time to timeas the computer 120 is utilized for operating the modules of theapparatus according to the invention to permit the accumulation ofrelevant information concerning any and all aspects of such operation.Further, the data base 154 may be accessed from the keyboard forretrieving any part of the data base 154 for display and printing.

For providing the stationery items on which the informationcorresponding to selected parts of the letter data hereinbeforediscussed, and information corresponding to data provided by thecomputer 120 (FIG. 2(b)), may be printed, the apparatus 10 (FIG. 2(c))also includes one or more stationery items feeding modules representedby the module 160. The feeding module 160 is preferably a conventional,standalone device which includes suitable control structure 162,including a microprocessor, for controlling the various structures andfunctions of the module 160. In addition, the module 160 includes anoperator interface 164, including a keyboard, which is conventionallycoupled to the control structure 162 for operation thereof in responseto operator input from the interface 164. The control structure 162 isalso conventionally adapted to include a two-way serial or parallelcommunication link 165 for conventionally coupling the control structure162 to an external source, exemplified by the computer 120, to providedata signals, such as the signal 166A to the computer 120 and foroperation of the control structure 162 in response to control signals,such as the signal 166B, from the computer 120. Thus the module 160 isadapted to permit complete control of its structure and functions fromexternal source rather than from the operator interface 164. The module160 additionally includes a plurality of sheet feeding structuresdesignated 170, 175 and 180, which are respectively denominated the"first item" "other item" and "last item" feeders to denote that anynumber of such feeders 170, 175 or 180 may be included to accommodatethe selection and feeding different stationery items 161 from the module160. The feeding structure 170, includes stacking structure 172 foraccommodating a plurality of like stationery items 161, which may be aplurality of blank or partially blank stationery items 161 such as thoseshown in FIGS. 1(b), 1(d), 1(j) or 1(l), or any different size, shape orvariation thereof. Similarly, the feeding structure 175, includesstacking structure 176 for accommodating a plurality of like stationeryitems 161, which may be blank or partially blank stationery items 161such as those shown in FIGS. 1(a), 1(c), 1(g), 1(h), 1(i), 1(j) or 1(l),or any different size, shape or variation thereof. And the feedingstructure 180, includes stacking structure 182 for accommodating aplurality of like stationery items 161, which may be blank or partiallyblank stationery items 161, such as those in FIGS. 1(a), 1(c), 1(i),1(j) or 1(l), or any different size, shape or variation thereof. Thestationery items 161 are manually loaded into the respective stackingstructures 172, 176 and 182 and fed therefrom one at a time. To thatend, the module 160 includes conventional feeding structure representedby the feeding structure 185, which includes conventional means forfeeding the respective stationery items 161 in a predetermined feed paththrough the module 160, and may include suitable structure, such as theroller 186 for feeding such stationery items 161 from the module 160.The feeding module 160 additionally includes one or more motors 190coupled to the control structure 162 and to the respective feedingstructures 170, 175, 180 and 185, either directly or indirectly via oneor more drive units 192. In addition, the feeding module 160 includes aplurality of sensors 194. Some of the sensors 194 are operably locatedfor sensing stationery items 161 in the various feeding structures 170,175, 180 and 185, and determining whether or not respective stationeryitems 161 are available for printing. Other sensors 194 are operablylocated with respect to the stationery items feed path, for sensing thepresense or absence of stationery items 161 in the feeding structures170, 175, 180 and 185 and at various relevant positions in the feedpath, and providing conventional input signals to the control structure162 which are indicative of such conditions and positions. And, theremainder of such sensors 194 are operatively coupled with suitableelements of the motors 190 and drive units 192 for sensing variouspositions of the motors 190 and drive units 192, including theirrespective home positions, and providing conventional input signals tothe control structure 162 which are indicative of such positions.Further, the control structure 162 is adapted to provide data signals,such as the signal 166A, corresponding to the aforesaid conditions andpositions to the operator interface 164 and to the communication link165 to facilitate operation of the module 160 from the interface 164 orfrom an external source, such as the computer 120 via the communicationslink 165.

For printing the various parts of information selected by the computer120 (FIG. 2(b)) on the selected stationery items 161 fed from the module160, the apparatus 10 also includes one or more printing modulesrepresented by the module 200 (FIG. 2(d)). The printing module 200 ispreferably a conventional standalone device which includes suitablecontrol structure 202 for controlling the various structures andfunctions of the module 200. In addition, the module 200 includes anoperator interface 204, which is conventionally coupled to the controlstructure 202 for operation thereof in response to operator inputsignals from the interface 204. The control structure 202 is alsoconventionally adapted to include a two-way serial or parallelcommunication link 205 for conventionally coupling the control structure202 to an external source, exemplified by the computer 120, to providedata signals, such as the signal 206A to the computer 120, and foroperation of the control structure 202 in response to control signals,such as the signal 206B, from the computer 120. Thus the module 200 isadapted to permit complete control of the structures and functions ofthe module 200 from an external source rather than from the operatorinterface 204. The module 200 additionally includes conventionalprinting structure 210, and conventional input feeding structure 212 andfor feeding stationery items 161, received one at a time from thefeeding module 160, in a predetermined path of travel through theprinting structure 210 as the printing structure 210 prints selectedparts of information on the respectively selected stationery items 161.Without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, such partsmay include a pre-sort identification mark of the type required by theU.S. Postal Service for marking pre-sorted letters. In addition, theprinting module 200 includes conventional output feeding structure 214,including for example a roller 216, for feeding printed stationery items161 from the module 200. The printing module 200 may additionallyinclude a conventional tape feeding system, including a suitable sourceof supply of tape 220, a tape cutter 222 and tape feeder 224, forfeeding discrete lengths of the tape 220 to the printing structure 210for printing thereon selected postage markings, alone or in combinationwith other information, or parcel registration information. Thus theprinting module 200 may be utilized for either mail or parcel markingpurposes, it being understood that the tape 220 is of a type which isconventionally adapted to be secured to either mailpieces or parcels.The printing module 200 additionally includes one or more motors 230coupled to the control structure 202 and to the respective feedingstructures 212, 214, 224 and cutter 222, either directly or indirectlyvia one or more drive units 232. In addition, the printing module 200includes a plurality of sensors 234. Some of the sensors 234 areoperatively associated with the feeding structures 212, 214 and 224,cutter 222, printing structure 210 and stationery items feed path, forsensing the presence or absence of stationery items at the printingstructure 210, and feeding structures 212 and 214, and the presence orabsence of tape 220 at the feeding structure 224 and cutter 222, and forsensing various relevant positions of the stationery items 161 and tape220 in the feed path through the module 200, and providing conventionaldata signals to the control structure 202 which are indicative of suchconditions and positions. And, the remainder of such sensors 234 areoperatively coupled with suitable elements of the feeding structure 212,214 and 224, the cutter 222, motors 230 and drive units 232, for sensingrelevant positions thereof including their respective home positions,and providing conventional data signals to the control structure 202which are indicative of such positions. The printing module 200 mayoptionally include accounting structure 240, for example of the typeutilized in a conventional electronic postage meter, forelectro-optically, magnetically or electronically storing data relatingto available or used postage, or both, postage or the passportinformation hereinbefore discussed. Further, the module 200 may includereading and writing structures, numbered 242 and 244 respectively,coupled to the accounting structure 240. The reading and writingstructures, 242 and 244, may be of the type conventionally utilized incard controlled devices and include conventional circuits controlled bythe control structure 202 for transferring or copying stored data to andfrom the accounting structure 240 and the storage media of a token, suchas the storage media K1 of the token K shown in FIG. 1(k), it beingunderstood that the structures 242 and 244, includes a comparableelectro-optical, magnetic or electronic storage media for such data. Inaddition, the accounting structure 240 includes conventional logiccircuits for decrementing the postage available for printing in theaccounting structure 240 by respective increments corresponding to thepostage printed by the printing structure 210, or either incrementing ordecrementing the postage available for printing by respective incrementscorresponding to those read from a token K1 in accordance withinstructions stored in the token K1. For passport data storage purposes,the accounting structure 240 may also have stored therein a serialnumber assigned by a postage meter manufacturer, and data correspondingto the data hereinbefore discussed in connection with the discussion ofthe programs and registers of the computer 120 for providing any and allinformation that may be included in a passport, whereby such data may bewritten into the storage media K1 of a token K which may then be used asa passport. Further, the accounting, reading and writing structures 240,242 and 244 are conventionally coupled to the control structure 202,which is adapted to provide data corresponding to the data stored in theaccounting structure 240, and processed by the reading and writingstructures 242 and 244, and data corresponding to the conditions andpositions sensed by the sensors 234, to the operator interface 204 andcommunications link 205, to facilitate operation of the module 200 fromthe interface 204 or from the computer 120 via the communications link205. According to the invention, the printing structure 210 may be anyconventional mechanical printing structure, including but not limited toa dot matrix printer, such as a pin printer, or other impact-type orpressure type printing structure. Alternatively, the printing structure210 may be any other type of printing structure, including but notlimited to any electrophotographic, ink jet or thermal printingstructure. Thus the printing structure 210 may include a laser, lightemitting diode (LED) or other electrostatic printing structure, or inkjet thermal ink transfer, or rotary printing structure, or the like, andinclude other conventional structures normally associated with suchprinting structures, coupled to and controlled by the control structure202. Further, without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention, the ink utilized by such printing structures may include afluorescent pigment.

As an alternative to providing the printing module 200 with theaforesaid accounting, reading and writing structures 240, 242 and 244, aseparate accounting module 260 may be provided which includes suchstructures 240, 242 and 244, and, in addition, control structure 262coupled thereto and to an operator interface 264. Assuming the provisionof the accounting module 260, a token K which is removably connectableto the reading and writing structures 242 and 244 may be utilized in thesame manner and for the same purposes hereinbefore discussed inconnection with the discussion of the printing module 200. In addition,the accounting module 260 is preferably provided with a two-waycommunication link 266 for interfacing the module 260 with an externaldevice, preferably the computer 120, for operation of the module 260from the computer 120 rather than from the operator interface 264. Onthe other hand the control structure 262 is also preferably providedwith a conventional two-way serial or parallel communications link 268for interfacing the control structures 262 and 202 with each other, topermit the operator of the printing module 200 to control operation ofthe accounting module 260 from the operator interface 204 and to permitthe computer 120 to control operation of the accounting module via theprinting modules control structure 202. Further, the two waycommunication link 266 may be connected via a conventional telephonelink to a privately controlled mailing center such as Manifest MailReporting System (MMRS) center of the type established by Pitney BowesInc., for electronically incrementing the postage available amount,which is stored in the accounting structure 240 as hereinbeforediscussed in connection with the discussion of the printing module 260.

The printed stationery items 161 fed from the printing module 200 (FIG.2(d)), may be differently processed, depending upon the availability ofprocessing apparatus, postal service regulations and mailing practicesof business mailers. According to the invention, the computer 120 isprogrammed for calculating the lowest possible postage for mail whichincludes a zip code having the same first three digits for processingbulk mailing of pre-sorted mail. In addition, the computer 120 isprogrammed for processing bulk mailings of permit and manifest mail.According to the invention, in order to permit business mailers todeliver such bulk mailings to the Postal Service both during and outsideof the normal business hours of the Postal Service, such bulk mailingsare preferably deposited in a distinctively marked, and therefore easilyrecognizable, mailpouch which is distinguishable from all othermailpieces received by the Postal Service in the general mailstream sothat it may be extracted from the general mailstream for specialhandling, in this instance inspection, just as awkwardly shapedmailpieces such as film bags are extracted from the general mailstreamfor special handling.

As shown in FIG. 2(d) the printed stationery items 161 fed from theprinting module 200, may be fed to an inserter module, folding module,or collected for manual insertion purposes. Assuming manual insertion, asystem of the type hereinbefore discussed, may include, as shown in FIG.3, a conventional personal computer 120, including a display 146,keyboard 150, processor 148 and a dual disk drive 153, into which anapplications programs software disk 80 may be inserted for programmingthe computer 120 as hereinbefore discussed in connection with thediscussion of the computer 120. In addition, there is shown a modularlyconstructed stationery items feeder 160, which comprises a conventionalthree bin sheet feeder, including stackers 172, 176 and 182, into whichthere has been loaded a plurality of stationery items 161, includingfirst and second letter headed sheets and letter headed envelopes. Acommercially available laser printer, which includes scanning andprinting modules 12 and 20 of the type hereinbefore discussed, includesa hopper 17 into which a plurality of sheets 16 have been loaded. Thesheet feeder 160 is mounted on top of the laser printer, 12, 20, and isconventionally mechanically and electronically coupled to the laserprinter. The computer 120 is connected to the laser printer 12, 20, andsheet feeder 160 via the communication link 42, 205 for controlling thelaser printer and sheet feeder. According to the invention, a pluralityof distinctively marked, such as by means of a colored band 270A, andtherefore, easily recognizable bags or other pouches 270 are provided,for example by removably affixing the pouches 270 to the laser printer.One of such pouches 270B, which is numbered 270A, has been shown removedand opened for discussion purposes. Each of the pouches 270 includes apocket 272 into which a passport, such as the passports hereinbeforediscussed, may be deposited. As shown in FIG. 3, under the control ofthe computer 120, sheets 16 are fed from the hopper to the scanner 12 ofthe laser printer 200. Whereupon the sheets 16 are scanned ashereinbefore discussed in the discussion of the scanning module 12, andthe computer 120 causes data corresponding to selected parts of theinformation included on the sheets 16 to be reformatted for printing onselected stationery items fed from the stackers 172, 176 and 182. Inaddition, the computer 120 causes supplementary data, including datacorresponding to the line of information shown at I3 in FIG. 1(i), to beprovided and printed on selected stationery items fed from the stackers172, 176 and 182. As the printed sheets 161 are fed from the feeder 160,the first and second sheets are manually folded and inserted into theenvelope, which may be an envelope of the type shown in FIG. 1(i) as aresult of which the MMRS line of printed information I3 is shown printedon the envelope. At the end of a run or batch of letters being printedby the laser printer, the bag 270B may be conventionally sealed, and thecomputer 120, directed by operator input from the keyboard, isinstructed to print a passport L, by causing a sheet from the firstsheet feeder to be fed to the laser printer 200, and then causing theprinter to print the passport L. The passport L is then inserted intothe pocket 272 of the pouch 270A. Alternatively the computer 120 may becomparably directed to write the passport data into the storage media ofa token K removably inserted into reading and writing structure 242, 244of the type hereinbefore discussed, which is coupled to the computer 120as hereinafter discussed. Whereupon the token K, which has the passportdata written into the same, may be inserted into the pocket 272. Ineither instance, the pouch 270B with either the printed or storedpassport information deposited in its pocket 272 may then be handdelivered to the Postal Service for further processing.

The processing portrayed in FIG. 3 exemplifies the utilization ofapparatus 10 according to the invention for small bulk mailings ofpermit, pre-sorted and other manifested mail, and the passport referredto is exemplary of each type of passport to be included with the permit,presort or manifest mail for providing the information respecting suchbulk mailings as is required by the Postal Service for large bulkmailings of manifested mail, or such other accounting data as may berequired by the Postal Service for small bulk mailings of permit,pre-sorted or manifested mail. Preferably, each type of such manifestedmail is deposited in a differently marked and therefore separately,easily recognizable, distinctive bag, or other bulk mail mailpouch, toallow for diversion of such different mailpouches to different postalinspection stations or for other purposes, depending upon the needs ofthe Postal Agency to which such mailpouches are delivered. Utilizing thesystem described, both small and large business mailers alike may mailsmall bulk mailings of permit, pre-sorted and other manifested mail,both during and outside of the normal business hours of the PostalService for pick up by the Postal Service, inasmuch as each of suchdistinctively marked mailpouches may be easily recognized for extractionfrom the general mailstream and includes in the passport providedtherewith all of the accounting information needed by the Postal Servicefor processing such bulk mailings without requiring the personalappearance of a representative of the mailer of the bulk mailing. Inthis connection, it is noted that in order to facilitate the aforesaidprocedures the passport may include the bulk mailer's deposit accountserial number as maintained by the Postal Service, to permit the PostalService to debit the bulk mailer's account upon inspecting the bulkmailing.

Referring again to FIG. 2(d), as hereinbefore discussed, the stationeryitems 161 fed from the stationery items module 160 and processed by theprinting module 200 may be envelopes such as the envelopes shown inFIGS. 1(a), 1(c) 1(e), 1(g) or 1(i). However, rather than feedingenvelopes for a given run of letters, the message parts of respectiveletters may be printed on one or more stationery items, such as thoseshown in FIGS. 1(b), 1(d), or 1(f) and each of such letters may includea second one of such stationery items 161 utilized as a mailing coversheet. As thus arranged the cover sheets would include the informationprinted on the envelopes shown in FIGS. 1(e) or 1(j) for preparingselfmailing-types of letters. With these thoughts in mind, the apparatus10 according to the invention may include one or more folding modules,such as the folding module 300 (FIG. 2(c), to which printed stationeryitems 161 are fed, one at a time from the printing module 200. Thefolding module 300 is preferably a conventional standalone device whichincludes suitable control structure 302 for controlling the variousstructures and functions of the module 300. In addition, the module 300includes an operator interface 304, which is conventionally coupled tothe control structure 302 for operation thereof in response to operatorinput signals from the interface 304. The control structure 304 is alsoconventionally adapted to include a two-way serial or parallelcommunication link 305 for conventionally coupling the control structure305 to an external source, exemplified by the computer 120, to providedata signals, such as the signal 306A, to the computer 120, and foroperation of the control structure 302 in response to control signals,such as the signal 306B, from the computer 120. Thus the module 300 isadapted to permit complete control of the structures and functions ofthe module 300 from an external source rather than from the operatorinterface 304. The module 300 additionally includes conventional foldingstructure 310, accumulating stacking structure 312, which includes a bin314, which the successive printed stationery items 161 for a givenletter are fed one after the other, and accumulates on top of the otherfor collation thereof. In addition, the folding module 300 includesconventional input feeding structure 316, which includes conventionalstructure for grasping the collated stationery items 161 int he bin 314and feeding the same in a predetermined path of travel through thefolding structure 310 which folds the collated stationery items 161. Inaddition, the folding module 300 includes conventional sealing structure318, such as a stapler or other device for sealing the folded stationeryitems 161 fed therethrough by the feeding structure 314. Further, thefolding module 300 includes conventional output feeding structure 320,including for example a roller 322, for feeding the collated, folded andsealed stationery items 161 from the module 300. The folding module 300additionally includes one or more motors 330 coupled to the controlstructure 302 and to the respective feeding structures, 316 and 320, andto the sealing structure 318, either directly or indirectly via one ormore drive units 332. In addition, the folding module 300 includes aplurality of sensors 334. At least one of the sensors 334 is operativelyassociated with the stationery items 161 received in the bin 314 forindicating the presence or absence of sheets in the bin and thereception of all of the stationery items 161 that are to be included ina collation for the given letter being processed in the folding module300. In addition, some of the sensors 334 are operatively associatedwith the feeding structures 316 and 320, and sealing structure 318, andwith the stationery items feed path, for sensing the presence or absenceof stationery items at the feeding structures, 316 and 320, and sealingstructure 332 and for sensing various relevant positions of thestationery items 161 as they are being fed in the feed path through themodule 300, and providing conventional input signals to the controlstructure 302 which are indicative of such conditions and positions.And, the remainder of such sensors 334 are operatively coupled withsuitable elements of the motors 330 and drive units 332, for sensingrelevant positions thereof including their respective home positions,and providing conventional input signals to the control structure 302which are indicative of such positions.

Upon completion of processing by the folding module 300, the folded andsealed stationery items 161 may be handled in the same fashion asstationery items 161 processed by the printing module 200 as discussedin connection with the discussion of FIG. 3, but without performing themanual processing steps of folding and inserting the stationery items161 into a printed envelope. Rather, the collated, folded and sealedstationery items 161 fed from the folding module 300 may be fed by themodule's output feeding structure 320 directly into a distinctivelymarked mailpouch such as the bag 270B shown in FIG. 3. Further, either aprinted or token type of passport K or L, such as the passportsdiscussed in the discussion of FIG. 3, may be inserted into the pocket272 of the bag 270B, and the bag 270B sealed and delivered to the PostalService.

Referring again to the printing module 200 (FIG. 2(d)), and assuming thestationery items 161 from the printing module 200 are to beautomatically processed by inserter structure, such stationery items161, including one or more sheets and an envelope, are fed one at a timeto an inserting module such as the inserting module 350. The insertingmodule 350 is preferably a conventional standalone device which includessuitable control structure 352 for controlling the various structuresand functions of the module 350. In addition, the module 350 includes anoperator interface 354, which is conventionally coupled to the controlstructure 352 for operation thereof in response to operator inputsignals from the interface 354. The control structure 352 is alsoconventionally adapted to include a two-way serial or parallelcommunication link 355, for conventionally coupling the controlstructure 352 to an external source, exemplified by the computer 120,for transmitting data signals, such as the signal 356A, to the externalsource, and for operation of the control structure 352 in response tocontrol signals, such as the signal 356B, from the computer 120. Thusthe module 350 is adapted to permit complete control of its structuresand functions from an external source, such as the computer 120, ratherthan from the operator interface 354. The module 350 additionallyincludes one or more conventionally insert feeding structures 361, andconventional input feeding structure 362, for feeding each of thestationery items 161 received from the printing module into theinserting module 350. Inasmuch as the computer 120 reformats respectiveletters prior to causing the stationery items feeding module 160 to feedany given stationery item which is to be utilized for printing thereformatted letters. The computer 120 is preferably programmed to causethe envelope, if any of a given letter to be the first stationery item161 fed from the feeding module 160, followed feeding by the last, nextto last, third from last, and so on, and then the first stationery item161. As a result of which the printing module 200 prints the respectiveappropriate parts of the given letter on the selected stationery itemsin the sequence received. Accordingly, the first stationery itemreceived by the inserting module 350 is preferably the envelope of agiven letter. The Stationery items 161 for the given letter, except thecover envelope into which the rest of the stationery items are to beinserted, are fed in a predetermined path of travel, to the module'saccumulating structure 364 where they are stacked in collated form. Theinserting module 350 includes inserting structure 366 which may includeany suitable structure for opening the cover envelope to permit theinsertion of folded stationery items 161 and inserts thereinto.Preferably, the letter's cover envelope is fed to the insertingstructure 366 by the feeding structure 362 in the aforesaid path oftravel, under the control of the computer 120, prior in time to feedingthe rest of the letter's stationery items 161 to the module'saccumulating structure 364. In addition, it is preferable that theinserting module 350, under the control of the computer 120, be causedto feed the inserts from one or more of the insert feeders 360 to theaccumulating structure 364, after the cover envelope is fed to theinserting structure 366 and before the rest of the stationery items 161are fed to the accumulating structure 364, to facilitate collation ofthe contents of accumulator, and, therefore of the cover envelope. Inaddition, the printing module 200, under the control of the computer120, is preferably caused to print any and all information required formailing the given letter, including the postage that will be needed formailing the letter with the rest of the stationery items 161 and anyinserts that are to be provided by the inserting module 350. Thus,before any stationery items 161 for a given letter have been fed fromthe printing module 200, or any inserts for the given letter have beeneither selected or fed by the inserting module 350, the postage formailing the same is provided and printed on the cover envelope. Theinserting module 350 additionally includes conventional foldingstructure 368, and sealing structure 370 which may include suitableapparatus for moistening the flap of the cover envelopes and urging theflap into engagement with the body of the cover envelope. In addition,the inserting module 350 includes conventional output feeding structure372 for grasping the stationery items 161 and inserts in theaccumulating structure 364, and feeding the same through the foldingstructure 368 and to the inserting structure 366, where the foldedstationery items 161 and inserts are inserted into the opened coverenvelope. In addition, the output feeding structure 372 includessuitable means for feeding the stuffed and sealed envelope 376 from theinserting module 350, including for example the roller 378. Theinserting module 350 additionally includes one or more motors 380coupled to the control structure 352 and to the respective feedingstructures 361, 362 and 372, and to the respective inserting and sealingstructures 366 and 370, either directly or indirectly via one or moredrive units 382. In addition, the inserting module 350 includes aplurality of sensors 386. Some of the sensors 386 are operativelyassociated with the feeding structures 361, 362 and 372, and therespective accumulating, folding, inserting and sealing structures 364,368, 366 and 370, for sensing the presence or absence of stationeryitems 161, inserts and envelopes in such structures 360, 362, 372, 364,368, 366 and 370, and sensing their various relevant positions in thefeed paths through the module 350, and providing conventional datasignals to the control structure 352 which are indicative of suchconditions and positions. And, the remainder of such sensors 386 areoperatively coupled with suitable elements of such structure 360, 362,372, 364, 368, 366, and 370 and the motors 380 and drive units 382, forsensing relevant positions thereof including their respective homepositions, and providing conventional input signals to the controlstructure 352 which are indicative of such positions. Further, thecontrol structure 352 is conventionally adapted to provide data signals356A corresponding to the conditions and positions sensed by the sensors386, to the operator interface 354 and to the communications link 355,to facilitate operation of the module 350 from the interface 354 or fromthe computer 120 via the communications link 355.

Upon completion of processing by the inserting module 350 (FIG. 2(c)),the letters 378 may be delivered directly to the postal service,assuming manifest processing is not used. Or, the letters 378 may beprocessed in substantially the same manner as those shown in FIG. 3, butwithout performing the manual processing steps, since the stationeryitems 161, with or without accompanying inserts, have already beenautomatically folded and inserted into the cover envelope. Accordingly,the letters 378 may be fed by the module's output feeding structure 372directly into a distinctive pouch such as the pouch 270B shown in FIG.3. Further, either a printed or token type of passport K, L, such as thepassports referred to in the discussion of FIG. 3, may be inserted intothe pocket 272 of the pouch 270B and the bag 270B sealed and deliveredto the Postal Service.

Assuming the provision of a printing module 200 which does not includethe capability of printing graphic information including postageindicia, the postage may be printed on the cover envelope after beingprocessed by the inserting module 350. Or, assuming the postage for agiven letter was not provided in advance of processing by the insertionmodule 350, or a given business mailer already has apparatus whichincludes an inserting module 350, letter weighing module and postagemeter, and does not wish to acquire the more complex printing module 200hereinbefore discussed, the apparatus 10 (FIG. 2(d)) may include one ormore weighing modules and a conventional postage metering module towhich letters 378 from the inserting module 350 are successively fed.

For weighing the letters 378 (FIG. 2(d)), the apparatus 10 may includeone or more weighing modules 400. The weighing module 400 is preferablya conventional standalone device which includes suitable controlstructure 402 for controlling the various structures and functions ofthe module 400. In addition, the module 400 includes an operatorinterface 404, which is conventionally coupled to the control structure402 for operation thereof in response to operator input signals from theinterface 404. The control structure 402 is also conventionally adaptedto include a two-way serial or parallel communication link 405 forconventionally coupling the control structure 402 to an external source,exemplified by the computer 120, for providing data signals, such as thesignal 406A, to the external source and for operation of the controlstructure 402 in response to control signals, such as the signal 406B,from the computer 120. Thus the module 400 is adapted to permit completecontrol of its structures and functions from an external source ratherthan from the operator interface 404. The module 400 additionallyincludes conventional scale structure 410, which may for example includea suitable envelope receiving platform mounted upon and operativelycoupled to an electro-mechanical transducer, known in the art as a loadcell, for providing electrical signals to the control structure 402which are representative of the weight of an envelope 378 on theplatform. In addition the weighing module 400 includes conventionalfeeding structure 412 for feeding envelopes 378 received one at a timefrom the inserting module 350, in a predetermined path of travel throughthe weighing module 400 as the scale structure 410 weighs the envelopes378. The weighing module 400 additionally includes one or more motors416 coupled to the control structure 402 and to the feeding structures412 either directly or indirectly via one or more drive units 418. Inaddition, the weighing module 400 includes a plurality of sensors 420.Some of the sensors 420 are operatively associated with the feedingstructure 420, for sensing the presence or absence of envelopes 378entering the weighing module 400 and the presence or absence ofenvelopes 378 at various relevant positions in the envelope feed paththrough the module 400 and providing conventional input signals to thecontrol structure 402 which are indicative of such conditions andpositions. And, other sensors 420 are conventionally coupled to thescale 410, feeder 412, motors 416 and drive units 418 for providing datasignals to the control structure 402 which are indicative of variousconditions and positions of the structures 410, 412, 416 and 418,including their respective home positions. Further, the controlstructure 402 is adapted to provide data corresponding to the aforesaidconditions and positions to the operator interface 404 and communicationlink 405, to facilitate operation of the module 400 from the interface404, or from an external source such as the computer 120 via thecommunications link 405.

For applying postage corresponding to the weight of a given letterreceived from the weighing module 400 (FIG. 2(d)), the apparatus 10 mayinclude one or more postage metering modules, such as the module 450.The postage metering module 450 may be any conventional electronicpostage meter or mailing machine equipped with a postage meter,including the structures hereinbefore discussed in the discussion of theprinting module 200. Preferably the module 450 includes all of thestructures and functions of the module 200 except such structures andfunctions which are provided for printing information on the envelopeother than the postage indicia. Accordingly, the postage metering moduleincludes the conventional two-way serial or parallel communicationlinks, 205 and 268 and is operable in response to the insertion of aremovable token K as hereinbefore discussed. Further, rather thanincluding the accounting structure 200 an accounting module 260 may beprovided. After applying the postage to the letter 378 received from theweighing module 400 the letter 378 may be processed as hereinbeforediscussed and shown in FIG. 3, for manifesting bulk mailings, or theletters may be delivered directly to the Postage Service.

In general, the local computer 120 (FIG. 2(b)) may include one or morepermanent programs, including for example a main line program, andprograms for operating each of the modules hereinbefore discussed, andmay include those including data corresponding to one or more letterformats and for reformatting letter data to conform the same to suchletter formats, a data base of data corresponding to graphic informationto be printed including those for postage markings and letter headingsand footings, postal zip codes and corresponding bar codes, customernames and corresponding customer identification codes or sort codes,serial numbers of postage authorizing or metering or dispensingstructures serviced by the computer 120, accounting routines relating tothe postage available and postage used in any of such structures, andany of the other programs referred to in this application. Alternativelyor for supplementing any of such programs, the computer 120 may beprogrammed with applications software provided by a given module 80 orinserted into the dual disk drive 153, referred to in this application.In general, the computer 120 (FIG. 2(b)) includes a main line program600 (FIG. 4) and a plurality of module control programs 700 (FIG. 5).

The main line program 700 (FIG. 4) commences with the step 702 ofconventionally initializing the computer 120, which generally includesestablishing the initial voltage levels at the interface ports utilizedfor the control and data communications links 42, 86, 96, 104, 165, 205,268, 305, 355, 405 and 468, for the respective modules, 12, 50, 80, 90,100, 160, 200, 260, 300, 350, 400, 450 and 480, and setting the timersand counters. Thereafter the computer 120 communicates with the suchmodules and causes their respective motors and other drive units to beconventionally initialized, step 704. Step 704 entails causing theinterface microprocessors of the various modules to scan the variousmicroprocessor ports associated with the motors, drive units and sensorsof the modules for determining whether or not the predetermined elementsof the motor and drive units, such as their respective output shafts,are properly located for initiating operation of the various structuresin the modules and, if not, the computer 120 causes the motors and driveunits to drive such elements to their respective home positions.

Assuming the initialization steps 702 and 704 are completed, the program700 enters an idle loop routine, step 706. In the idle loop routine 706a determination is initially made as to whether or not a request orcommand has been received from one of the modules 12, 50, 80, 90, 100,160, 200, 260, 300, 350 or 450, 480, from the computer's input dataprocessing routine or from the local terminal 155, step 708. Assuming arequest or command has not been received 708, processing is returned toidle 706. When a request or command 708 is received, a determination isinitially made as to whether or not the request or command 708 is fromone of the local modules, or the aforesaid input data processing routinehereinafter discussed in greater detail, step 710. If the request orcommand is from one of such modules, or the processing routine, 708, adetermination is made as to whether or not it is directed to programmingthe computer, step 712. Assuming a determination is made that it is forprogramming the computer, 712, the program 700 causes the computer toprocess the request or command, step 714, for either storing the inputprogram for present or future use or initializing the program 700 forongoing utilization of the input program, depending upon the type ofcomputer 120 employed and input program involved. Whereupon, processingis caused to be returned to idle 706. Assuming a determination is madethat the request or command is not for programming the computer 712, theprogram 700 then implements an inquiry as to whether or not the requestor command is for the local terminal, step 716. Assuming that it is,since the request or command ordinarily takes the form of a message forthe local terminal, it will be assumed that the program directs thelocal terminal to print or display a message step 718 whereupon theprogram 700 then causes processing to be returned to idle 706. If thedetermination is made that is it not a request or command for the localterminal 722, then, the program causes a determination to be made as towhether or not the request or command is for an external source, step720, and, if it is, causes the request or command to be transmitted tothe external source, step 722. Assuming the request or command is notconcerned with either programming the computer, 712, nor with messagesfor the local terminal or external source, then, the request or commandis presumably for execution by one of the local modules, or for analysisby the input data processing routine of the computer. Accordingly, theprogram 700 implements the step 724 of determining whether or not therequest or command is for input data procesing. And, assuming that itis, the program 700 causes the request or command to be stored, step726, for processing on a first come first served, i.e., FIFO, basis, andprocessing is returned to idle 706. If however the request or command isnot for input data processing, the program 700 proceeds toimplementation of the steps of execution of the request or command bythe appropriate module, step 728. Referring back to step 710, assumingthat the request or command is not from one of the modules, or from theinput data processing routine, then, the program implements the step 730of determining whether or not it is from and to the local terminal.Assuming both of these conditions are met, presumably the request orcommand is a message for the local terminal. Accordingly, the program700 implements the steps of causing the message associated with therequest or command to be printed or displayed at the local terminal,step 732, followed by returning processing to idle 706. On the otherhand, assuming the request or command is not from and to the localterminal, then, it is presumably from the local terminal to one of themodules. And, since it is preferable that requests or commands for themodules that come from the local terminal take precedence over thosethat come from the local modules, the request or command from the localterminal 730 to the modules, is caused to conventionally interrupt, step734, processing of requests or commands from the local module and fromthe input data processor, 710 and 724, whereupon the request or commandis executed 728. Accordingly, requests or commands from the localterminal which are for execution 728, are processed on an interruptbasis prior in time to execution of requests or commands from the localmodules or from the input data processing program. With thisarrangement, local module requests or commands that effect the localmodules may be changed by operator input from the local terminal, priorto commencement of processing.

As hereinbefore discussed, without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention, input letter data may be in either analog or digitalform as received by the computer 120 (FIG. 2(b)) for analysis andreformatting. The analysis and reformatting is implemented by the inputdata processing routine 800 shown in FIG. 5. The input data processingroutine 800 is called up for implementing processing, either by theinput modules 12, 80, 90 and 100, or by the main line computer program,step 726. The input data processing routine 800 commences with the stepof making a determination as to whether or not letter data input hasbeen received for processing, step 802, on a first in first out basis.If such input data has not been received 802, the routine 800 returnsprocessing to idle 706. On the other hand, if the determination is madethat letter data input has been received 802, the routine 800 then makesa determination as to whether or not the letter data is in analog form,step 804, and, if it is, causes the letter data to be converted todigital data by implementation of an analog to digital conversion step806. Assuming a determination is made that the letter data is not analogdata 804, but rather, is digital data, or the analog data has beenconverted to digital data, 806, the routine then causes the letter datato be analyzed, step 808. The analysis step 808 generally includes thesteps of identifying the letter data corresponding to the addressor andaddressee of the letter, their respective postal zip codes, the messageincluded in the letter, the signature and any code, such as a customercode, bar code or sort code, included in the letter, and any dataindicating that a return letter, such as a remittance slip or returnenvelope, is included with the letter or must be provided with theletter. Thereafter, the routine performs the step of reformatting theinput letter data and adding data as needed for preparing the letter,step 810. Such processing includes but is not limited to the steps ofadjusting margins and lines between identified data, choosing the fontsize or sizes to be used in printing the letter, adjusting linespacings, adding headings and footing, bar codes, customer codes andsort codes as needed for the type of letter, identifying the stationeryitems and inserts, if any, that will be utilized for printing the letterand any inserts that are to be included, calculating or utilizing a lookup table for determining, or otherwise providing the postage needed formailing the identified stationery items and inserts, if any, andproviding instructions for selecting the identified stationery items andinserts, if any, and printing the reformatted letter data. Other stepsthat may be included in the reformatting step 810 without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention, including for example thosehereinbefore discussed in connection discussing the programs of thecomputer 120 and those discussed throughout this application.Thereafter, the routine 800 causes a determination to be made as towhether or not the letter being processed is to be included in amanifest mail run or batch, step 814, which information may be includedfor example as a code associated with the letter data for flagging theletter as such, or may be provided from the local input terminalhereinbefore discussed. Assuming the letter is not to be included as onein a manifest mail run or batch, then, the letter data is augmented bythe postage marking data that is to be used, step 816, including datacorresponding to a given postage manufacturers graphic information, or apermit mailers serial number, is added to the reformatted letter data.In the case of a permit mailers serial number, it is understood that thepostage costs previously calculated would not then be used. In addition,instructions are provided in step 816 for printing the added data onidentified stationery items. Following the processing step 816, theroutine 800 causes all of the foregoing letter data, added data andinstructions, steps 812 and 816, to be stored and forwarded step 818, ona first in first out basis, for execution by the module routines, step728, whereupon the routine 800 returns processing to idle 706. Assumingon the other hand that the letter is to be included in a manifest mailrun or batch 814, the routine 800 implements the step of adding themanifest mail data and instructions concerning the same, step 820. Step820, includes but is not limited to the steps of identifying andproviding the postage dispenser, meter or authorizing device by serialnumber, providing transaction number data, zeroing the letter counterwhich is to count the letters included in the run or batch, zeroing theserial number generator which is used for providing consecutive serialnumbers for printing on letters in the place of postage markings, addingpostage marking data for printing manifest mail lines on selectedstationery items or for marking permit mailings. Also pre-sort postagedata for bulk mailings of presorted letters of a run or batch may beprovided, as well as instructions for storing accounting data for themail run or batch for printing, or writing into a token, the passportdata pertaining to the run or batch of permit, presort or manifest mail,as the case may be. Following the processing step 820, the routinecauses all of the letter data, added data and instructions, step 812 and820 to be stored and forwarded, step 818, on a first in first out basis,for execution by the module routines, step 728 (FIG. 4), whereupon theroutine 800 (FIG. 5) returns processing to idle 706.

Referring again to FIG. 4, and in particular to steps 710, 724 and 726,it is noted that when implementing the determination in step 710, whichis concerned with whether or not a request or command is received eitherfrom a local module or from input data processing, an affirmativedetermination will cause requests and commands concerning the input datafrom the local module that is to be reformatted by input data processingroutine of FIG. 4, to be processed through steps 712, 716 and 720 tostep 724 before a determination is made at step 724 as to whether or notsuch data is to be stored and processed, step 726, by the routine 800.Such requests or commands when processed by the routine 800 and storedby the routine 800 in the course of execution of step 818, with theresult that such requests or commands are executed on a first-come,first-serve basis. Although, as shown in FIG. 4, requests and commandsfrom the various modules are handled by the computer 120 on afirst-come, first-serve basis, preferably, the computer 120 preferablyhas the capacity to handle parallel processing of requests and commandsfrom the modules, as a result of which the computer response time forexecution of any given request or command does not in any event have aneffect upon the timeliness of the sheet and letter processing functionsof the respective modules.

Assuming the request or command 708 (FIG. 4) is to be executed 728 bythe computer routine controlling the scanning module, the scanningmodule routine 850 (FIG. 6(a)) is called up. The routine 850 initiallyimplements the step 852 of making a determination as to whether or notthe scanning module has received a sheet to be scanned. And, assumingthat it has not, returns processing to idle 706 to permit the executionof the next request or command until a sheet has been received by thescanning module 12. Assuming one or more sheets to be scanned have beendeposited in the module's stacking structure, a determination would bemade in step 852 that a sheet had been received, whereupon the routine850 causes the sheet to be fed, step 854, past the aforesaid scanningstructure, as the routine 850 causes the information on the sheet to bescanned and stored as letter data, step 856, for input data processingby the routine 800 hereinbefore discussed. Thereafter, the routine 850causes the sheets to be fed to the output stack step 858, followed bythe transmission to the module of a message indicating that the requestor command has been executed, step 860 (FIG. 6(e)) and then the returnof processing to idle 706.

Assuming the provision of a letter opening module 50 (FIG. 2) forfeeding letters to be scanned to the scanning module, and that therequest or command 728 (FIG. 6(b)) pertains to the letter openingmodule, the letter opening module routine 880 is called-up. Whereuponthe routine 880 implements the initial step of determining whether ornot a letter has been received, step 882. Assuming that it has not, theroutine 880 returns processing to idle 706, whereas if a letter has beenreceived, the routine 880 causes the letter to be opened 884, followedby causing the contents of the letter to be extracted, step 886.Thereafter the routine 880 causes a determination to be made as towhether or not the letter opening module is connected to another moduleto which the extracted contents are to be fed, step 888, and, if it isnot, the extracted contents are fed to the stack 890. On the other handif a determination is made that the contents are to be fed to the nextmodule, the routine 880 causes the contents to be fed to the nextmodule, step 892. Preferably, the routine also includes processing step,following step 890, of causing an inquiry to be made as to whether ornot the stack is full, step 894 and, if a determination is made that itis, causing a request for services 896 to be initiated. The request forservices 896 may be, for example, be a request to the local terminal ofthe computer to print a message indicating that the output stack of theletter opening module is full. In each case, after the execution of therespective steps 892, 894 and 896, a message is transmitted to themodule indicating that the initial request or command has been executed860 (FIG. 6(e) followed by processing being returned to idle 706.

Assuming that the request or command 728 is to be executed by theapplications software module routine, the program 700 calls up theapplications software module routine 900 (FIG. 6(b)) which implementsthe initial step of making a determination as to whether or notapplications software has been received for input to the computer, step902. Assuming that it has not, processing is returned to idle 706. Onthe other hand, assuming that a determination is made that input for thecomputer is available, 902, the routine 900 executes the step 904 ofcausing the applications software to be received and stored for presentor future use by the computer 120 (FIG. 2). Thereafter, the routine 900(FIG. 6(b) causes a request-or-command-completed message to betransmitted to the applications software module, 860 (FIG. 6(e),followed by processing being returned to idle 706.

Assuming the request or command is to be executed 728 is for either thestorage media module routine or communications link module routine, oneor the other of such routines, or the same routine, is utilized forservicing the request or command inasmuch as the same steps are executedby both routines. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 6(b), a request orcommand to be executed by either the storage media module routine or thecommunications link module routine, results in calling up the 930, whichcommences with the initial step of making a determination as to whetheror not input data is available for the computer, step 932. Assuming thatit is not, processing is returned to idle 706. Assuming on the otherhand that input data is available for the computer, the routine 930causes implementation of the step 934 of receiving and storing the inputdata, which is presumably letter data, for input data processing ashereinbefore discussed. Thereafter the routine 930 causes a message tobe transmitted to the module to indicate that the request or command hasbeen executed 860 (FIG. 6(e) and returns processing to idle 706.

Assuming the request or command is to be executed 728 by the stationeryitems feeding module routine, the program 700 calls up the stationeryitems module routine 960 (FIG. 2(b)) which implements the initial step962 of determining whether or not all stationery items that have beenidentified as needed for a given letter have been received. Assumingthey have not, processing is returned to idle 706. Assuming however thatall such stationery items have been received, the routine causes theidentified items to be fed in proper order for collation of the letter,step 964. Accordingly, the stationery items may be fed such that theenvelope, if any, is initially fed, followed by feeding the last sheetof the letter first, followed by the next to the last sheet, and so on,until the first sheet of the letter is fed, to ensure that when thesheets are accumulated in a stacker, folder, or inserter, one on top ofthe other, the letter information printed thereon is in the propersequence. After feeding the stationery items as noted, the routineexecutes the step of determining whether or not a passport is to beprinted, step 966. If it is not, processing is returned to idle 706,whereas if a passport is to be printed, the identified stationery itemfor printing the passport, be it a form or blank sheet, is fed forpassport printing purposes, step 968. Thereafter, the routine 960implements the step of causing a message to be transmitted to thefeeding module indicating that the request or command has been executed860 (FIG. 1(e) and then causes processing to be returned to idle 706.

Assuming the request or command 728 (FIG. 6(b) is for execution by theprinting module routine, the printing module routine 1000 (FIG. 6(c) iscalled up. The routine 1000 initially implements the step 1002 of makinga determination of whether or not tape is available or a stationery itemhas been received, depending upon the mode of operation dictated by thecomputer program 700, for example, in accordance with operator inputfrom the local terminal. Assuming the determination is negative, theroutine 1000 returns processing to idle 706. Assuming however tape isavailable or a stationery item has been received 1002, the routine thencauses a determination to be made as to whether or not postage orpassport data is needed, step 1004, it being noted that informationcorresponding to such data is not printed on all stationery items. Ifpostage or passport data is not needed, then, the routine 1000implements the step 1006 of causing the stationery item to be fed andthe printing structure to print information corresponding to reformatteddata and other data, if any, on the stationery item. Thereafter, theroutine 1000 causes a determination to be made of whether or not thereis a next module, step 1008, to which the printed stationery items is tobe fed, and, assuming there is one, implements the step 1010 of causingthe printed stationery item to be fed to the next module. Whereupon amessage is transmitted to the module indicating that the request orcommand has been executed, 860 (FIG. 6(e)), followed by the returningprocessing to idle 706. Assuming however that it is determined thatthere is no next module, step 1008 (FIG. 6(c), then, the routine 1000causes the printed stationery item to be fed to the module's outputstack, step 1012. Preferably, the routine 1000 then additionally causesa determination to be made of whether or not the stack is full, step1014, and assuming that it is not, transmits a message to the moduleindicating that the request or command has been executed, 860 (FIG.6(e)), followed by returning processing to idle 706. Assuming howeverthat the stack is full, 1014 (FIG. 6(c)), then, the routine implementsthe step of requesting service 1016, followed by transmission of theaforesaid message 860 and the return of processing to idle 706.Referring back to step 1004, and assuming it is determined that postageor passport data is needed, then, the routine implements the step 1020of determining whether or not the postage value that is to be printedhas been authorized to be printed, or the passport data has beenreceived for printing, as the case may be. Assuming that it has not, asthe case may, the routine 1002 implements the step 1022 causing theaccounting module routine to be executed, as hereinafter discussed.Assuming implementation of step 1020 results in a determination thatpostage printing has been authorized or the passport data has beenreceived, then the routine 1000 implements the step 1024 of determiningwhether or not a stationery item is required. If it is not, then, tapeprinting is involved. Accordingly, the routine 1000 implements the stepof causing tape to be fed into position for printing, step 1026,successively followed by implementation of the steps of causing postageto be printed on the tape, step 1028, cutting the fed tape from theremainder of the supply of tape, step 1030, feeding the cut length ofpostage bearing tape to the stack, step 1032 and requesting service,step 1034. The service request 1034 may be a request to the localterminal causing the terminal to print a message indicating that thepostage tape is in the stack. Thereafter, a request or command executioncomplete message is transmitted to the module, step 860 (FIG. 6(e)),followed by processing being returned to idle 706. Referring back tostep 1024 (FIG. 6(c)), and assuming a stationery item is required, then,the routine implements the step of determining whether or not a passportis to be printed, step 1036. Assuming that it is, the routine causes thestationery item to be fed and the printing structure to print theinformation corresponding to the passport data on the stationery item,step 1038, followed by causing a request for service to be initiated,step 1040. The service request in this instance may be a request causinga message to be printed at the local terminal which indicates that aprinted passport has been fed to the printing module's output stacker.Thereafter the routine 1000 causes the transmission of a message to themodule indicating that the request or command has been executed, step860 (FIG. 6(e)), followed by causing processing to be returned to idle706. Returning again to step 1036, and assuming a passport is not to beprinted, then, the stationery item on which postage, as well as otherinformation, if any, is to be printed is caused to be fed and printed,step 1042. Thereafter, the routine 1000 implements the step ofdetermining whether or not there is a next module, step 1044, and,assuming that there is, causes the printed stationery item to be fed tothe next module, step 1046, followed by causing a request-or-commandcompleted message to be transmitted to the module, step 806 (FIG. 6(e)),and then the return of processing to idle 706. Assuming however thatthere is no next module 1044, then, the routine 1000 causes the printedstationery item to be fed to the module's output stack, step 1048, andthen implement an inquiry as to whether or not the stack is full, step1050. If this inquiry is answered positively 1050, the routine causes arequest for services to be made, step 1052, followed by transmission ofa request or command executed messages to the module, 860 (FIG. 6(e)),and return of processing to idle 706. If however it is determined thatthe stack is not full, 1050 (FIG. 6(c)), then the routine transmits amessage to the module, 860 (FIG. (e)), indicating that the request orcommand has been executed, and returns processing to idle 706.

Assuming the request or command 728 is for execution by the accountingmodule routine, the printing module routine 1100 (FIG. 6(d)) is calledup by the program 700. The routine 1100 initiates processing with thestep of inquiring whether or not the postage available for printing islow 1102. In this connection it is noted that a given postage dispensingor metering device, or device authorized to permit such printing ordispensing ordinarily has stored therein a given postage amount which isavailable for printing and, in addition, a value representing the lowestamount of available postage that the user desires to have availablebefore recharging the postage printer or dispenser with an additionalpostage amount which is added to the postage amount available forprinting or dispensing. Accordingly, before preparing a run or batch of,for example, manifest mail, it is desirable to be sure that theavailable postage is not low. Accordingly, assuming that thedetermination is in step 1102 indicates that the postage is low, theroutine 1100 implements the step of causing service to be requested 1104followed by returning processing to idle 706, to permit the user torecharge the postage metering or dispensing device with additionalpostage. The request for service may for example take the form ofcausing the local terminal to print a message indicating that thepostage available amount stored in the particular postage metering ordispensing device is low. Assuming however that the determination madein step 1102 is negative, then, the routine 1100 implements the step1106 of determining whether or not the postage which has been requestedto be deducted from the postage available has been deducted. Assumingthat it has, then the routine 1100 implements the step of authorizingpostage printing 1108, followed by causing a message transmission to themodule indicating that the request or command has been executed, 806(FIG. 6(e)), and the return of processing to idle 706. Assuming howeverthat the postage requested has not been deducted, then, the routine 1100(FIG. 6(d)) implements the step of inquiring whether or not the requestor command is concerned with a function other than one concerningpostage, step 1109. If it does not, then the routine 1100 implements thestep 1109E, of requesting service on an emergency basis, it beingassumed that a malfunction exists in the postage deduction orauthorization processing routine, followed by processing being returnedto idle 706. In this connection it is noted that an emergency servicerequest may take the form of causing a message to be printed at thelocal computer terminal, and, in addition causing activation of a visualor audio alarm to obtain the immediate attention of an operator.Assuming that the request or command is concerned with another functionto be performed by the accounting module routine 1100, the, the routineinquires as to whether or not it is concerned with a change in thepostage amount available for printing, step 1100. Since this may beimplemented by utilization of a token or use of the accounting modulescommunication link with an external source, if the postage changeinquiry is an affirmation, 1110, then the routine 1100 executes the stepof determining whether or not the postage change is to be made utilizinga token, step 1112. Assuming that it is, the data concerning the postagechange is caused to be read from the token, and the postage availabledata is changed to reflect the change, step 1114; whereas if the postagechange is to be received from an external source via the modulescommunication link, the data concerning the change is caused to bereceived, and the postage available data is changed to reflect thatchange, step 1115. In either instance the routine's processing steps1114 and 1115 are followed by the transmission of a message indicatingthat the request or command has been executed, step 860 (FIG. 6(e)), andprocessing is returned to idle 706. Assuming however that it isdetermined that a postage change is not involved, step 1110 (FIG. 6(d)),then, the routine implements the step 1116 of determining whether or nota passport data change is involved, step 1116. If it is, the routine1100 implements the step 1118 of making the change, followed by theimplementation of the transmission to the module of a message indicatingthat the request or command has been executed step 860 (FIG. 6(e)), andthe return of processing to idle 706. Assuming no change is to be madein the stored passport data 1116, then the current passport data may bein the process of being requested for token storage. Accordingly, theroutine 1100 implements the step 1120 of determining whether or not thisis the case, and, if it is not, returns processing to idle 706, or, ifit is determines whether or not a token has been made available, step1122. Assuming a token is available 1122, the routine 1100 causes thepassport data to be written into the storage media of the token, step1124, or provided to the printing module routine for printing step 1126,followed by transmission to the module of a message indicating that therequest or command has been executed, step 806 (FIG. 6(e)), and thereturn of processing to idle 706.

Assuming the request or command 728 is for execution by the foldingmodule routine, that routine 1200 (FIG. 6(e)) is called up and initiallyexecutes the step 1202 of determining whether or not all the stationeryitems that are to be provided for a given self-mailer have beenreceived. If they have not, 1202, then processing is returned to idle706. Assuming however that all the stationery items have been received1202, then the routine 1200 executes the successive steps of causing theaccumulated, collated, stationery items to be grasped and fed, step1204, through the folding structure where the routine 1200 causes thecollation to be folded, step 1206, then through the sealing structurewhere the routine 1200 causes the folded collation to be sealed, step1208, and then into the mailing pouch, step 1210. Preferably, theroutine 1200 also makes a determination as to whether or not the pouchis full, step 1212. And, assuming that it is, initiates the step 1214 ofrequesting service. After step 1214 or if a determination is made thatthe pouch is not full, the routine 1200 causes a message to betransmitted to the module which indicates that the request or commandhas been executed 860 and processing is returned to idle 706.

Assuming the request or command is concerned with the inserting module,the inserting module routine 1300 is called up. The routine 1300initiates processing by making a determination of whether or not theenvelope for the letter has been received, step 1302, and, assuming thatit has not caused processing to be returned to idle 706. Assuming thatit is determined, 1302, that the envelope has been received, the routinecauses the envelope to be fed to the envelope opening structure of theinserting module where it is opened, step 1304, in anticipation ofreceiving the contents of the letter. Thereafter the routine executesthe step 1306 of determining whether or not other inserts are to beprovided. Assuming that they are, the routine causes the inserts to befed, step 1308, to the accumulator structure of the inserter before thestationery items are fed. If inserts are not involved, step 1306, orafter the inserts are fed, step 308, then, the routine executes the stepof determining whether or not the stationery items for the letters havebeen received, step 1310. Assuming that they have not been received,1310, the routine 1300 returns processing to idle 706. Assuming adetermination is made that a stationery item for the letter has beenreceived, step 1310, the routine causes the same to be fed, step 1312,which results in feeding the inserts to the accumulating structure fordeposit, where, the inserts, if any, have already been deposited.Thereafter, the routine 1300 executes the step 1314 of determiningwhether or not all the stationery items for the letter being processedhave been fed to the accumulator structure of the inserting module.Assuming they have not, the routine causes processing to loop throughstep 1314 until all stationery items are available. Whereupon thedetermination is answered positively, step 1314 and the routine 1300then causes the accumulation of stationery items and inserts, if any, tobe grasped and fed, through the folding structure, step 1316, where theroutine 1300 causes the accumulation of stationery items, and inserts,if any, to be folded, step 1318, then to the inserting structure wherethe routine 1300 causes the folded accumulation to be inserted, into theopened envelope, step 1320, and then to the sealing structure where theroutine 1300 causes the letter envelope flap is sealed, step 1322.Thereafter, the routine 1300 implements the step 1324 of inquiringwhether or not the letter is to be fed to a next module. Assuming thatit is the routine 1300 implements the step 1326 of causing the letter tobe fed to the next module, followed by causing transmission to themodule of a message indicating that the request or command has beenexecuted, 860, and then returning processing to idle 706. If however, anext module is not involved, step 1324, then routine 1300 causes theletter is fed to a pouch 1328. Thereafter, the routine 1300 preferablyincludes the steps 1330 of determining whether or not the pouch is full,and, if it is causing service to be requested 1332. Whether or notservice is requested, 1330 or 1332, the routine 1300 then causes amessage to be transmitted indicating that the request or command hasbeen executed, 860, and returning processing to idle 706.

Assuming the request or command is for execution of the weighing moduleroutine, that routine 1400 is called up, and executes the step 1402 ofdetermining whether or not a letter has been received. Assuming that ithas not, the routine 1400 returns processing to idle 706. On the otherhand, assuming receipt of a letter 1402, the routine 1400 causes theletter to be fed to the weighint modules scale structure, step, wherethe letter is weighed and then causes data to be generated whichcorresponds to the postage cost that is to be printed on the letterenvelope for mailing the letter, step 1408. Whereupon the routine causesthe feeding structure of the weighing module to feed the letter to thenext module, i.e., a printing module operable in accordance with theprinting module routine hereinbefore discussed. After step 1410, theroutine causes a request-or-command-executed message to be transmitted,to the weighing module 860 and processing to be returned to idle 706.

Assuming the request or command is for operation of a printing module towhich a weighed letter is fed, the printing module may be controlled bya routine that is the same as, or a simplified version of, the printingmodule routine 1000, in combination with the accounting module routine1100, as hereinbefore discussed, depending upon the complexity of theprinting and accounting modules needed to perform the operationperformed on the weighed letter subsequent to processing by the weighingmodule. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 6(e), for the purposes of thisdisclosure, it will be assumed that printing and accounting module for1000 and 1100 are respectively called up as needed for printing postageon weighed letters which are fed to the printing module from theweighing module, and that such routines are implemented as hereinbeforediscussed for printing postage on the weighed letter envelopes.

In accordance with the objects of the invention there has been disclosedletter processing systems that are particularly suitable for preparingand processing outgoing letter mail, including mail for bulk mailingpurposes.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for processing a letter for bulkmailing, said system comprising:a. printing means; b. means forsupplying stationery items; c. computer means, said computer meansincluding means for receiving letter data corresponding to informationfor at least one letter, said information for said at least one letterincluding a plurality of parts, said computer means including means forformatting said letter data for said at least one letter, said formattedletter data including a plurality of parts, said information parts forsaid at least one letter corresponding one-for-one with said data parts,said computer means including means for causing said supplying means tosupply at least one stationery item to said printing means, saidcomputer means including means for causing said printing means to printat least one information part on said at least one stationery item, saidcomputer means including means for storing a predetermined code, saidcomputer means including means for causing said printing means to printsaid code on said at least one stationery item; d. means for receivingsaid at least one stationery item, said receiving means including amailpouch, said mailpouch including a mark thereon identifying saidmailpouch as a bulk mail mailpouch; and e. said computer means includingmeans for causing said printing means to print a postage value on saidat least one stationery item.
 2. The system according to claim 1,wherein said predetermined code includes a permit mail serial number. 3.The system according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined codeincludes a postage authorization device serial number.
 4. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein said predetermined code includes a postagemeter serial number.
 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein saidpredetermined code is an identification code authorized to be used by agovernmental agency.
 6. The system according to claim 1, wherein saidpredetermined code includes a serial number corresponding to a passportserial number.
 7. The system according to claim 1, wherein said computermeans includes means for causing said supplying means to supply aplurality of stationery items to said printing means, one of saidplurality of stationery items being said at least one stationery item,and said computer means including means for causing said printing meansto print passport information on another of said stationery items. 8.The system according to claim 7, wherein said receiving means includesmeans for receiving said another of said stationary items.
 9. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein said formatting means includes means forautomatically formatting said letter data.
 10. The system according toclaim 1, wherein said supplying means includes means for supplying aplurality of stationery items one of said stationery items being asheet, another of said stationery items being an envelope, said computermeans including means for causing said supplying means to supply saidenvelope before supplying said sheet.
 11. The system according to claim1 wherein said computer means includes means for causing said printingmeans to print said at least one information part on both said envelopeand said sheet.
 12. The system according to claim 1 including means forfolding and sealing said at least one stationery item.
 13. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein said at least one information part is anaddress, said address including a postal zip code.
 14. A system forprocessing a letter for bulk mailing, said system comprising:a. printingmeans; b. means for supplying stationery items; c. computer means, saidcomputer means including means for receiving letter data correspondingto information for at least one letter, said information for said atleast one letter including a plurality of parts, said computer meansincluding means for formatting said letter data for said at least oneletter, said formatted letter data including a plurality of parts, saidinformation parts for said at least one letter corresponding one-for-onewith said data parts, said computer means including means for causingsaid supplying means to supply at least one stationery item to saidprinting means, said computer means including means for causing saidprinting means to print at least one information part on said at leastone stationery item, said computer means including means for storing apredetermined code, said computer means including means for causing saidprinting means to print said code on said at least one stationery item;d. means for receiving said at least one stationery item, said receivingmeans including a mailpouch, and said mailpouch including a mark thereonidentifying said mailpouch as a bulk mail mailpouch; and e. saidcomputer means including means for causing said printing means to printan MMRS line of information on said at least one stationery item. 15.The system according to claim 14 including said causing means causingsaid printing means to print said postage value on one of said at leastone stationery items.
 16. A system for processing a letter for bulkmailing, said system comprising:a. printing means; b. means forsupplying stationery items; c. computer means, said computer meansincluding means for receiving letter data corresponding to informationfor at least one letter, said information for said at least one letterincluding a plurality of parts, said computer means including means forformatting said letter data for said at least one letter, said formattedletter data including a plurality of parts, said information parts forsaid at least one letter corresponding one-for-one with said data parts,said computer means including means for causing said supplying means tosupply at least one stationery item to said printing means, saidcomputer means including means for causing said printing means to printat least one information part on said at least one stationery item, saidcomputer means including means for storing a predetermined code, saidcomputer means including means for causing said printing means to printsaid code on said at least one stationery item; d. means for receivingsaid at least one stationery item, said receiving means including amailpouch, and said mailpouch including a mark thereon identifying saidmailpouch as a bulk mail mailpouch; and e. said computer means includingmeans for storing passport data, and said computer means including meansfor causing said passport data to be stored in a token removablyconnectable to said computer means.
 17. The system according to claim16, wherein said receiving means includes means for receiving saidtoken.
 18. A system for processing a letter for bulk mailing, saidsystem comprising:a. printing means; b. means for supplying stationeryitems; c. computer means, said computer means including means forreceiving letter data corresponding to information for at least oneletter, said information for said at least one letter including aplurality of parts, said computer means including means for formattingsaid letter data for said at least one letter, said formatted letterdata including a plurality of parts, said information parts for said atleast one letter corresponding one-for-one with said data parts, saidcomputer means including means for causing said supplying means tosupply at least one stationery item to said printing means, saidcomputer means including means for causing said printing means to printat least one information part on said at least one stationery item, saidcomputer means including means for storing a predetermined code, saidcomputer means including means for causing said printing means to printsaid code on said at least one stationery item; d. means for receivingsaid at least one stationery item, said receiving means including amailpouch, and said mailpouch including a mark thereon identifying saidmailpouch as a bulk mail mailpouch; and said receiving means includingmeans for receiving a passport.
 19. A system for processing a letter forbulk mailing, said system comprising:a. printing means; b. means forsupplying stationery items; c. computer means, said computer meansincluding means for receiving letter data corresponding to informationfor at least one letter, said information for said at least one letterincluding a plurality of parts, said computer means including means forformatting said letter data for said at least one letter, said formattedletter data including a plurality of parts, said information parts forsaid at least one letter corresponding one-for-one with said data parts,said computer means including means for causing said supplying means tosupply at least one stationery item to said printing means, saidcomputer means including means for causing said printing means to printat least one information part on said at least one stationery item, saidcomputer means including means for storing a predetermined code, saidcomputer means including means for causing said printing means to printsaid code on said at least one stationery item; and d. means forreceiving said at least one stationery item, said receiving meansincluding a mailpouch, said mailpouch including a mark thereonidentifying said mailpouch as a bulk mail mailpouch, and said mailpouchconstructed and arranged to be deposited in a mailbox.
 20. A method ofprocessing a letter for bulk mailing, said method comprising:a.providing letter data including a plurality of parts correspondingone-for-one with information for at least one letter; b. digitallyformatting said letter data for said at least one letter; c. providingprinting means; d. supplying at least one stationery item to saidprinting means; e. causing said printing means to print on said at leastone stationery item the information part corresponding to at least onepart of said letter data; f. causing said printing means to print apredetermined code on said at least one stationery item; g. providingfor receiving said at least one stationery item, a mailpouch including amark thereon identifying said mailpouch as a bulk mail mailpouch; and h.causing said printing means to print on said at least one stationeryitem a postage value for mailing said at least one stationery item. 21.The method according to claim 20, wherein said code printing stepincludes the step of printing a permit mail serial number.
 22. Themethod according to claim 20, wherein said code printing step includesthe step of printing a postage meter serial number.
 23. The methodaccording to claim 20, wherein said code printing step includes the stepof printing a serial number corresponding to a passport serial number.24. The method according to claim 20, wherein said code printing stepincludes the step of printing a serial number of a postage authorizationdevice.
 25. The method according to claim 20 including the steps offolding and sealing said stationery item.
 26. The method according toclaim 20, wherein said formatting step includes the steps of identifyingrespective parts of said letter data and automatically reformatting saidparts.
 27. A method of processing a letter for bulk mailing, said methodcomprising:a. providing letter data including a plurality of partscorresponding one-for-one with information for at least one letter; b.digitally formatting said letter data for said at least one letter; c.providing printing means; d. supplying at least one stationery item tosaid printing means; e. causing said printing means to print on said atleast one stationery item the information part corresponding to at leastone part of said letter data; f. causing said printing means to print apredetermined code on said at least one stationery item; g. providingfor receiving said at least one stationery item, a mailpouch including amark thereon identifying said mailpouch as a bulk mail mailpouch; and h.manually depositing said at least one stationery item in said mailpouch.28. The system according to claim 27, wherein said causing step includesthe step of causing said printing means to print said postage value onone of said at least one stationery items.
 29. A method of processing aletter for bulk mailing, said method comprising:a. providing letter dataincluding a plurality of parts corresponding one-for-one withinformation for at least one letter; b. digitally formatting said letterdata for said at least one letter; c. providing printing means; d.supplying at least one stationery item to said printing means; e.causing said printing means to print on said at least one stationeryitem the information part corresponding to at least one part of saidletter data; f. causing said printing means to print a predeterminedcode on said at least one stationery item; g. providing for receivingsaid at least one stationery item, a mailpouch including a mark thereonidentifying said mailpouch as a bulk mail mailpouch; and h. supplying asheet for a passport and printing passport information thereon, andincluding said passport sheet with said mailpouch.
 30. The methodaccording to claim 29, wherein said code printing step includes the stepof printing on said at least one stationery item to be received by saidmailpiece a serial number unique to the passport sheet included withsaid mailpouch.
 31. A method of processing a letter for bulk mailing,said method comprising:a. providing letter data including a plurality ofparts corresponding one-for-one with information for at least oneletter; b. digitally formatting said letter data for said at least oneletter; c. providing printing means; d. supplying at least onestationery item to said printing means; e. causing said printing meansto print on said at least one stationery item the information partcorresponding to at least one part of said letter data; f. causing saidprinting means to print a predetermined code on said at least onestationery item; g. providing for receiving said at least one stationeryitem, a mailpouch including a mark thereon identifying said mailpouch asa bulk mail mailpouch; and h. writing passport data into a token andincluding said token with said mailpouch.
 32. A method of processing aletter for bulk mailing, said method comprising:a. providing letter dataincluding a plurality of parts corresponding one-for-one withinformation for at least one letter; b. digitally formatting said letterdata for said at least one letter; c. providing printing means; d.supplying at least one stationery item to said printing means; e.causing said printing means to print on said at least one stationeryitem the information part corresponding to at least one part of saidletter data; f. causing said printing means to print a predeterminedcode on said at least one stationery item; g. providing for receivingsaid at least one stationery item, a mailpouch including a mark thereonidentifying said mailpouch as a bulk mail mailpouch; and h. feeding saidat least one stationery item into said mailpouch.